THE ART​

OF TRANSFORMATION

Young Life was founded in 1941 and exists in over 110 countries around the world! Our methodology for reaching students is time-tested.
CONTACT
Young Life Arts is a new initiative under the Young Life NYCLI umbrella. We are a ministry for creatives ​ that uses the arts as a bridge to reach and connect with adolescents. Established in 2025, we engage students through music, poetry, visual art, fashion, and performance - our program creates spaces where students can explore their gifts, express themselves authentically, and experience community. At its core, Young Life Arts is about meeting students where they are, helping them feel seen and known, and introducing them to Jesus Christ in a way that is both relevant and relational.
 

our roots

at a Glance

1941

Young Life begins in the USA

In a town in Texas, at the request of his pastor, a young associate pastor named Jim Raybrun began showing young people how much God cares about them by showing up in their world and sharing the message of God's love through Jesus in ways and words they could understand and relate to.

100+

Countries with Young Life staff and leaders

Today, Young Life is a global organization with local focus. You'll find Young Life leaders from diverse cultures, nationalities and backgrounds in over 100 countries around the world. ​

Two million

young people reached by Young Life staff and leaders

Whether it's in cities or villages, towns or tower blocks, in countries on every continent, Young Life leaders are working with over two million young people, right in their own neighborhoods.

348,000

KIDS INVOLVED WEEKLY

Since 1941, Young Life leaders have walked with kids and earned the right to be heard in an exhausting and exciting world. In 2018, 348,000 kids were involved every week all around the world.

CREATED​ TO CREATE

ART​ INFLUENCES CULTURE​

TODAY'S STUDENTS ARE TOMORROW'S CULTURE-MAKERS AND STORYTELLERS OF HOPE. BUT IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH, HERE'S WHY WE BELIEVE IT'S IMPORTANT TO INVEST IN YOUNG CREATIVES...

1.

IMAGE BEARERS

Students in the arts reflect a part of God’s character—His creativity. Just as God spoke the world into being, young people who sing, dance, draw, or perform are participating in that divine creativity. Their gifts aren’t just hobbies; they’re expressions of being made in His image.
 

2.

CULTURAL INFLUENCE

Students in the arts aren’t just shaping themselves—they’re shaping the stories our culture tells. Artists, actors, and musicians often set the tone for what people value/believe. That means students in the arts have the potential to be influencers of hope. Investing in them is investing in the future of the city and the narratives that will guide it.

 

3.

UNIQUE PRESSURES

Students in the arts often deal with intense performance anxiety, perfectionism, and criticism. They can feel like their worth is tied to their talent or their success. Many also wrestle with shame when they don’t measure up to expectations. This makes them especially in need of mentorship, spiritual guidance, and a reminder that their identity is not in their performance but in Christ.

YOUNG LIFE​ - High School

Helping Kids

Find True Life

1.

WE ENTER

the world of kids and walk alongside them in an exciting and exhausting world. We are currently mentoring students all throughout NYC.

2.

We share the hope of who kids can become and how life was

DESIGNED TO BE.

​

3.

We help students experience true hope and

LIFE TO THE FULL.

 
 

WYLDLIFE​ - MIDDLE SCHOOL

WALKING WITH MIDDLE ​ SCHOOL KIDS ​ ​ AS THEY

ACHE FOR ACCEPTANCE. ​

PARENT PERMISSION

1.

Middle school kids are at a crossroads and anxious to carve out their own

IDENTITIES.

2.

Young Life leaders walk with kids in an overwhelming and

AMAZING WORLD.

3.

KIDS GET TO BE KIDS

while learning what life is about.