Once Upon Our Time Capsule offers a digital platform that enables children to document and share their personal stories through an annual time capsule initiative, fostering self-reflection and community connection. This platform addresses the decline in youth engagement in storytelling by providing a structured method for kids to express their identities and build empathy through shared narratives.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Youth today face increasing rates of loneliness and disconnection, struggling to feel confident, supported, and connected at school, leading to challenges in mental health and absenteeism. Traditional methods of encouraging self-reflection and community engagement often fail to resonate with modern youth.
Solution
Once Upon Our Time Capsule provides a digital platform and arts-infused curriculum that empowers youth to document and share their stories through an annual time capsule initiative, fostering self-reflection, empathy, and a sense of belonging. The platform unites students across classrooms and communities to create collective time capsules, preserving today's voices for tomorrow. By reflecting on, documenting, and sharing stories, participants build their sense of identity and belonging, which is vital to both personal and community well-being. The program helps students process and articulate their experiences, fostering the confidence to navigate emotional challenges, and strengthening the sense of belonging that inspires them to show up and engage.
Target Audience
The primary audience includes educators, counselors, and social workers in 4th-8th grade, as well as schools, after-school programs, and community organizations seeking to enhance youth engagement, self-esteem, and social-emotional learning.
Features
- Annual Youth Time Capsule launch with a unique theme and aligned project-based curriculum
- Digital platform for youth to create and share artifacts using writing, art, and video
- Reconnection with preserved stories to reflect on personal growth
- Curriculum tools designed to build community and support multilingual learners
- Resources to engage students emotionally and socially
- Data-driven curriculum development based on educator feedback and impact analysis