On September 11, nearly 70 high school students from across Hamilton County gathered at the Chattanooga Lookouts Stadium to launch the second year of Youth United, United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s leadership and volunteerism program for local teens.
Since its launch in 2024, Youth United has doubled in size, expanding from three to six participating schools. Returning schools include Brainerd High School, Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts, and Hixson High School. Joining the program this year are Ooltewah High, Central High, and Red Bank High.
Each Youth United event involves a volunteer opportunity, is framed by a leadership concept, and intentionally fosters cross-school community. At the kick-off event, students bonded over games, tie-dyed Youth United t-shirts together, and completed an onsite volunteer project, packing 300 backpacks with school supplies for Hamilton County students in need.
Throughout the 2025–2026 school year, the Youth United cohort will participate in eight new volunteer projects and explore four new leadership themes, including “Leading with Action” and “Leading with Joy.”
Through hands-on service, mentorship, and intentional curriculum, Youth United provides pathways for students to engage with their community and grow as leaders. United Way’s program helps students discover causes they care about and removes barriers to engagement through partnerships with local nonprofits. Research shows that early volunteerism leads to stronger community ties, improved academic performance, and increased career readiness. Youth United is all about empowering and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.
“It’s been exciting to see how much the program has grown, and to watch the students really lean in,” says Emory Evans, Community Engagement Coordinator at United Way of Greater Chattanooga. “It makes us so hopeful for the impact it’s making in students’ lives.”
The growth and success of Youth United is made possible by generous support from the Tennessee Valley Authority, Volunteer Tennessee, and local donors. With momentum building and enthusiasm high, United Way looks forward to expanding the program to include even more schools and students in the years ahead.
To see photos from the kick-off, click here. For more information about Youth United and how to get involved, visit staging.unitedwaycha.org/youth-united.