National Youth Confidence Day (October 20th)

With a global youth population that is continuing to grow by millions each year, the world is filled with young people who have lots of energy – but who also might need to gain a bit of confidence through skill-building and mentoring.

National Youth Confidence Day encourages teens and young people to participate by connecting with a guide who is a bit further along the road than they are.

This is a great time to build confidence by seeking out an adult who wants to listen, answer questions, give advice, and generally be an encouragement to someone who is just starting and is interested in learning.

History of National Youth Confidence Day

National Youth Confidence Day was founded in 2018 through the efforts of Tiffany R. Lewis, the founder and president of the Confidence Girl Mentoring Program.

This non-profit organization was started two years prior in Buffalo, New York, to provide culturally relevant, inclusive programs that encourage young people to experience healing from trauma as they find their voices in the world.

As young people make the transition from high school into college, apprenticeships, or straight into the workforce, they deserve to have a helping hand.

National Youth Confidence Day encourages more people from the community to get involved in the lives of teens. Collaboration is encouraged between non-profit organizations, counselors, youth workers, community centers, and other spaces that have the best interest of youth in mind.

How to Celebrate National Youth Confidence Day

Exercise Confidence

Youth who want to get involved with this day are encouraged to do so by remembering how much they have value, how important they are, and what incredible gifts they have to offer to the world. Go out there and learn a new skill, try a new sport, or engage in another activity!

Seek Out a Mentor

Not quite feeling confident? Teens might consider talking to a teacher, guidance counselor or coach to express interest in mentorship.

Or, try signing up to become part of a youth mentorship program in the local area through an organization like the Confident Girl Mentoring Program in New York.

Mentor a Young Person

One of the most important parts of National Youth Confidence Day is that it is a celebration that people of all ages in the community can get involved with!

Make a big difference in the life of a teen by becoming a mentor. This could happen more organically with a neighbor or friend’s child, with the permission of their parents.

Or connections could be made through a teen mentoring program in the community, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of America or the Boys and Girls Club.

Other events at Days of the Year that can be celebrated in relationship to this one include Youth Leadership month in February, National Teen Self Esteem Month in May, World Youth Skills Day, which is celebrated on July 15.