Student-led. Community-rooted.

Real connection. Real belonging. Real impact.

Connected Youth Network creates student-led spaces where young people build real connections, experience belonging, and strengthen their emotional wellbeing — together.

Partner with CYN How it works
0
Workstreams
0
Platform layers
0%
Youth-led
Young people gathered around a table in a casual meeting, sharing ideas and building connections
Crew · Westwood High
Students collaborating together at a table
Wellbeing signal
+38% peer support
Active crew
12 connected today
Connection● Belonging● Student-led● Wellbeing● Community● Safety● Real impact●
About CYN

A world where
every young
person belongs.

We believe wellbeing starts with belonging — and belonging is built through small, consistent experiences of feeling seen by peers. CYN is the connective tissue between students, educators, and trusted advisors making that possible at scale.

  1. 1 Consistent experiences create safety
  2. 2 Safety builds connection
  3. 3 Connection creates belonging
  4. 4 Belonging supports wellbeing
Mission

A world where connection & belonging are the norm.

We empower young people to lead supportive, inclusive communities through student-led experiences they actually want to be part of.

Vision

Every young person feels they belong — and thrives.

Supported by peers and deeply connected in their communities, every student has the conditions to grow into who they're meant to be.

Students collaborating and learning together in various settings
Positioning
Real connection. Real belonging. Real impact.
Janice Houlihan, Founder and Executive Director of Connected Youth Network
Driven by
Youth Belonging
Experience
20+ Years
Meet the founder

Janice Houlihan.

Founder & Executive Director — Connected Youth Network

Every young person deserves to feel they belong — not as a buzzword, but as something real they carry with them every day.

With an M.Ed. and 20+ years in social work, Janice designs environments where young people are seen, heard, and centered — keeping CYN grounded in compassion, rigor, and the power of peer connection.

M.Ed · Social Work Youth Development Nonprofit Leadership
Safety by Design

Safe spaces are non-negotiable.

Multiple layers of protection — built in from day one, not bolted on later.

Safety creates Belonging. Belonging creates Connection.

Data Privacy

Robust measures protect sensitive youth data under global privacy regulations — the foundation everything rests on.

Content Moderation

AI and human review keep every space positive and inclusive.

System Integrity

Encryption and audits guard against external threats.

Age-Appropriate Design

Stage-matched features for every user.

User Empowerment

Resources for youth and advisors.

Get in touch

Let's build the network of belonging.

Whether you're an educator, a youth leader, a funder, or a future partner — we'd love to hear from you. Tell us what you're working on, and we'll be in touch within two business days.

I'm reaching out as a…