CONNECTING KIDS ACROSS CLASSROOMS, COMMUNITIES, AND TIME.

At Once Upon Our Time Capsule, we empower youth to explore their past, understand their present, and dream boldly about their future. We transform the traditional time capsule into a collective storytelling experience, empowering youth to reflect, connect, and share their voices.

How THE TIME CAPSULE works

  • Each year, we launch a new Youth Time Capsule with a unique theme and an aligned project-based, supplemental curriculum.

  • In schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and homeless shelters, youth use writing, art, and video to create and share artifacts for the digital Youth Time Capsule.

  • When the Time Capsule is reopened, participants are reconnected with the stories they preserved and can reflect on how far they’ve come. 

how we help kids

By reimagining the time capsule for today's youth, we invite them to explore their past, understand the present, and dream about the future. Our time capsule is digital, providing an updated take on an old tradition. Supported by a dynamic curriculum which can be deployed in a variety of settings, we encourage kids to share their unique stories with each other and the world.

  • Through the process of contributing to the Youth Time Capsule, youth reflect on their personal growth and achievements, their values, and their communities. They articulate their experiences, perspectives, and dreams through writing, art, and digital media. Along the way, they build their sense of self-worth.

    Research consistently shows that individuals with higher levels of self-worth are more resilient to stress, less likely to develop mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, and more likely to engage in healthy behaviors.

  • Research shows that when children feel socially connected to and accepted by others, they experience better physical and mental well-being and they even perform better in school. Once Upon Our Time Capsule fosters a sense of belonging by valuing diversity, encouraging connection, and empowering youth to be their authentic selves within the community.

CONNECTION

83% of students said adults and peers in their school understand them better after participating in the Time Capsule progam.

ATTENDANCE

82% of students said they enjoy school more on days when they do the Time Capsule program

CONFIDENCE

81% of students reported increases in self-awareness and positive identity

OUR Partners

We partner with schools, after school programs, and government agencies to bring our programming to youth in a variety of settings. Reach out to us at hello@ourtimecapsule.org with ways you want to partner.

Teachers LOVE US

  • " I see some of the most shy students begin to open up and show bravery by participating and sharing their ideas with the whole class. Students have the opportunity to show off their true authentic selves, helping them build their confidence. The attendance for the program is also one of the highest for after school, which highlights how engaging the program is for our students. I am grateful for the commitment Once Upon Our Time Capsule offers in partnering with us to provide support to the well being of our students.”

    Mary Hayes, Chicago Public School teacher

  • “Students need more opportunities to use their imagination and to connect socially without the use of electronics. The program provides a space for students to do just that-- to be kids.”

    Anonymous Survey, public school teacher

  • “Our youth benefited so much. It really gave them a chance to reflect on their own identity, their own culture, and what makes them special and unique. What was really amazing was that they got to share that side of themselves with their peers and with their class.”

    Anonymous Survey, public school teacher

  • “Through their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Once Upon has created a space where every child feels valued, heard, and empowered. Their dedication to promoting equitable opportunities for connection and personal development aligns closely with our organization’s core values.”

    Anonymous Survey, public school teacher

  • "The program was amazing... Our students benefited so much. It really gave them a chance to reflect on their own identity, their own culture, and what makes them special and unique. What was really amazing was that they got to share that side of themselves with their peers and with their class. I can't say enough wonderful things about the program."

    -Monica Balesh, Counselor, Philip D. Armour Elementary School, a Chicago Public School

thanks to our supporters