Youth for History was founded by Richard Hao, a student at Interlake High School in Bellevue, Washington, with a simple idea: young people should have more opportunities to explore, preserve, and share the history of their own communities.

What began as a youth-led effort focused on local history and community engagement has grown into a student-led nonprofit organization connecting young people with libraries, historical organizations, schools, and community partners.

Over time, Youth for History has developed programs including Local History Celebrations, youth history education, community history projects, and statewide initiatives connected to America’s 250th anniversary.

Today, Youth for History continues to create opportunities for students to learn history beyond the classroom, contribute to their communities, and help bring local stories to a wider audience.

• Curiosity over memorizationMake room for questions and discovery.
• Respect and accuracyReal people, real lives, and careful sources.
• AccessMaterials that young people can actually read and understand.
• CommunitySchools, libraries, and local partners learning together.
• Use history to understand todayLearn from the past. Think better now.