Click on the video above to hear from past 1YC participants how connection can lead to transformation
We are answering the call for community building in the U.S. by using the core features of our flagship Connect Program that has successfully had an impact on over 40,000 globally.
Make an Impact
Majorities agree or strongly agree that participation in 1YC
significantly enhances key 21st Century attitudinal skills.
+8.14%
“I have spoken or acted to promote awareness about an issue related to discrimination.”
+21.81%
“I have challenged media mis-representation of other groups.”
+15.81%
“I am confident that I can produce work with people from other backgrounds.”
We see a need.
The sociopolitical divisions that we witness across the U.S. today are reflected on college campuses nationwide, and incoming students quickly become entrenched in silos that reinforce battleground mentalities.
We have the solution. After honing the design of our program model and technology for nearly two decades, we recognize that our approach to exchange can be applied at the local level, producing incoming classes of students who are more cohesive across dividing lines.
The solution is 1YC. A mandatory part of the orientation process, 1YC is a structured space for students to discuss differences in a way that builds trust and respect, establishes habits of constructive discourse, and prepares them to reinforce those norms during times of on-campus tension.
“The platform encouraged vulnerability in a small group setting which I think is very hard to achieve with college students and even more meaningful when it's able to be cultivated.”
Pilot Participant
What to Expect
Sustained, synchronous dialogue sessions, with groups meeting 2 hours a week for 4 weeks.
Digital roundtable discussions using our Exchange Portal developed for best practices in this field.
Diverse groups of 10 each assembled with attention to a balance of backgrounds and life experiences.
Facilitators trained to be multi-partial and recruited from a pool of external and on-campus talents.
Expanded awareness that comes from not just speaking but also listening.
“We’re listening to our communities so that we can be of service and deploy programming that can help heal our society.”
Marie Jones, Senior Program Manager, 1YC | Soliya
1YC was conceived in collaboration with strategic partner
Search for Common Ground