Hero Story

Jeremiah Steen has been advocating for the amplification of youth voice across multiple industries and for equitable opportunities for underinvested in communities/families since he was in high school. Specifically, he has:
– In 2018, Jeremiah was the youngest Jane Goodall Roots and Shoots Fund II National Fellow, which provided him with the opportunity to work with Jane Goodall and strategically design systems to amplify youth voice in policy development;
– In 2018, Jeremiah founded the Steen Foundation, which allows youth to do grant-making, tailored career pathway development and structured organizational critique for organizations across multiple industries;
– In 2022, Jeremiah was the youngest speaker to present at the Mackinac Policy Conference— in the conference's history, to urge Michigan to include youth in systems change; and
– In 2022, Jeremiah was selected to be the youngest Trustee at the Skillman Foundation — in the foundation 62 year history, which allows him to advocate for the aspirations of Detroit’s young people —
especially around future building and underinvested in communities and families.

Also, Jeremiah Steen leverages his resources to provide the necessary tools to maximize the potential of others. Specifically, he has:
-The Steen Foundation has provided over $25,000 over 4 years to Michigan’s youth during an annual 4 Hour Mural Challenge, which allows 4 high school and college age youth to paint on a 30 x 30 inch canvas based on a theme selected by a group of youth advisors. The winner receives a stipend, additional prizes and their art piece is donated to a local non-profit(Ex. Detroit Zoo);
– The Steen Foundation in partnership with the Skillman Foundation developed and executed the Gen-Z Design Sessions, which allow Detroit Youth the ability to advise leaders of major organizations— Detroit Piston, Detroit Horse Power, City of Detroit’s Neighborhood Department, and develop implementable strategies that will impact the future of their organization;
– Jeremiah serves on the Nonprofit Relief Fund Advisory Board for the Michigan Nonprofit Association, which allows him to advocate for the allocation of over $35M to youth-lead and community centered organizations and projects;
– The Steen Foundation has provided over 100 youth with paid internships and fellowships in conservation and arts and culture that is tailored to their aspirations;
– Jeremiah served in the Skillman Foundation’s inaugural President's Youth Council Cohort, which provided him with the opportunity to allocate over $300,000 to youth-lead organizations; and
– Jeremiah serves on the Advisory Board for the Kresge Innovative Projects: Detroit Plus(KIP:D+), which allows him to advocate for the allocation of over $1M to youth-lead organizations and projects.

Jeremiah Steen has an unwavering commitment to service, advocacy and justice for all young people — especially Michigan’s youth. He is constantly finding new ways to amplify youth voice across multiple industries and support the mobilization of youth power. He is the Co- Founder of the trademarked phrase Critical Youth Theory – the intentional resistance of a set of ideas that have historically and culturally stopped young people from holding positions of power by inspiring true innovation and ethical action with a lasting impact.