Cleveland, Ohio

Teen Connection.
Real Community.
Right Here.

Loneliness has become common — but it doesn't have to be normal. Youth Connect CLE brings Greater Cleveland teens together through shared interests, community events, and spaces where every young person belongs.

Get Involved Our Mission
1 in 2
Too Many Teens
report feeling lonely on a regular basis
↑42%
Rising Numbers
rise in teen depression since 2012
100%
Every Single Teen
deserves a place where they belong
The Connection Crisis

What can you do alone that you can do together?

Almost Everything.
Who We Are

Built for Belonging.

Youth Connect CLE is a Cleveland-based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening teen social health and helping young people feel less alone.

We were created in response to a growing reality: many teenagers today feel isolated, disconnected, or unsure where they belong. Even in crowded schools and busy schedules, meaningful connections can be hard to find.

You don't need to change who you are to find your people. You just need a place to connect.

Our work is inspired by the model of Pittsburgh Social Health, which centers social connection as a vital part of well-being. We believe social health deserves the same attention as physical and mental health — especially during adolescence.

Social Health First
Connection isn't extra — it's a protective factor. When teens feel seen, supported, and included, they're better equipped to thrive in every area of life.
Cleveland Proud
We work across Greater Cleveland — connecting teens across schools, neighborhoods, and communities that rarely get the chance to meet.
Interest-Driven
From gaming to sports to crafts — shared interests are shared ground. We use what teens already love as the on-ramp to community.
Research-Backed
Strong social connections reduce anxiety and depression, increase engagement, and help teens navigate challenges with greater confidence.
What We Do

Our Programs

Teen-centered spaces designed for discovery, connection, and belonging.

01
Club Fairs
We bring together youth organizations, school clubs, and interest groups from across Greater Cleveland — making it easy for teens to discover where they fit and connect with others who share their passions.
02
Interest Events
From gaming nights to sports meetups, art workshops to movie screenings — we create recurring events built around what teens already love, so showing up feels natural.
03
Drop-in Hangouts
No agenda, no pressure. Just open, welcoming spaces across Greater Cleveland where teens can hang out, meet new people, and simply feel like they belong.
Why It Matters

Connection is Protection.

Research consistently shows that strong social connections act as a protective factor for teenagers — reducing anxiety and depression, increasing engagement, and building resilience that lasts a lifetime.

1 in 6
people worldwide are lonely — teens are the most affected group
WHO Commission on Social Connection, 2025
3×
higher risk of depression or anxiety when isolated
WashU, 2024
22%
lower academic performance linked to loneliness
WHO, 2025
At Youth Connect CLE, we believe every teen in Cleveland deserves access to community, friendship, and spaces where they feel welcomed exactly as they are. By strengthening social health, we aim to help Cleveland's teens feel more connected to each other, to their communities, and to themselves.
Join Us

Get Involved

There's a place for everyone in this work — teens, parents, educators, and community partners.

Attend an Event
Check out our upcoming club fairs, expos, and community gatherings. All events are free and open to teens across Greater Cleveland.
Events calendar coming soon
Volunteer With Us
Help us run events, set up spaces, and create welcoming environments for Cleveland teens. No experience needed — just a willingness to show up.