Our Impact

Researchers at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Parent and Teen Communication and Penn Graduate School of Education have confirmed the effectiveness of SpeakUp!.

According to SpeakUp! post-event survey* data:

96% of all participants gained an understanding of others’ perspectives

83% of all participants are more willing to ask for help

90% of participants will use what they learned to build stronger relationships

90% realize that they have similar feelings and experiences as others

93% of adults feel better equipped with knowledge and skills to talk to their teen about tough topics or problems

*Source: 2025-26 Post-event Survey Data

Proven Conversations, Stronger Connections: The SpeakUp! Effect

A recently published White Paper from the Center for Parent and Teen Communication at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia affirms what we’ve always known:

“SpeakUp! presents a promising and innovative approach to addressing the communication barriers between teenagers and adults in their lives. Youth drive it, and it removes button-pushing by allowing parenting and school adults to hear different perspectives from young people.”

“I just participated in my first SpeakUp! My daughter and I are still talking about the topics in our breakout rooms. This has opened a world of conversation for my family, and we are talking about topics that we never talked about before, so thank you so much! My daughter and I are looking forward to the next SpeakUp! event.”

– Parenting Adult

“SpeakUp! creates a safe atmosphere that empowers students to speak their minds on the tough subjects at hand. I was blown away by the honesty, courage, and leadership of the students involved.”

– School Adult

“Let me start by saying Wow! What a fantastic night. Every kid could benefit from this program. I was in the session about handling stress. I learned so many things about myself as a parent and the different stresses I am putting on my children, in addition to my own stresses that I am reflecting on to them. What an eye opener.”