“Helping to clear an unclear future”
"Think for yourself, or others will think for you without thinking of you."
- Henry David Thoreau
Y works to protect and prepare for the future in an increasingly uncertain and unstable world. As technological change accelerates and democratic systems face growing strain, we believe the strength of the future depends on the cultivation of critical thinkers, individuals who can reason independently, communicate clearly, and engage thoughtfully with complex ideas.
We advance this mission in two ways. First, Y creates Labs, structured, inquiry-driven environments where students actively develop human-exclusive skills such as critical thinking, dialogue, judgment, and collaboration. These Labs are designed for practice, not passive learning, allowing students to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and refine their thinking through discussion and debate.
Second, Y contributes to public discourse by publishing research papers, essays, blogs, and articles on education, democracy, technology, and human development. We also provide an open platform for students and young people to exercise their voice through writing and dialogue, fostering responsible participation in civic and intellectual life.
Together, our Labs and publications work to strengthen the foundations of a democratic future grounded in clarity of thought, informed engagement, and intellectual responsibility.
What We Do
Our Labs
Y’s labs are hands-on learning experiences where students develop human-exclusive skills like critical thinking, communication, reasoning, and collaboration, skills that are increasingly important but rarely practiced in daily life.
We call them labs because, like in a science lab, students actively experiment with ideas, test arguments, and practice thinking and speaking in a safe, structured environment.
To participate in a lab or learn more, please visit our Contact Us page.
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Designed for disciplined thinkers, British Parliamentary Debate Labs immerse participants in high-level argumentation where thinking on their feet matters more than prepared scripts. Using the BP format, students test ideas in real time and speak with precision in a demanding intellectual setting.
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Model UN Labs are rigorous, simulation-driven environments where participants think on their feet while navigating diplomacy, negotiation, and global crises. Students analyze international issues, represent diverse perspectives, and develop the judgment, clarity, and strategic communication required for real-world multilateral decision-making.
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Global Issues Labs are fast-paced, discussion-driven environments where participants analyze complex international challenges and think on their feet under uncertainty. Students examine competing perspectives, test policy ideas, and develop the judgment, clarity, and global awareness required for leadership in an unstable world.
Our Philosophy
Y is founded on the belief that protecting the future requires more than technological advancement, it requires a society of critical thinkers capable of sound judgment, clear communication, and informed participation. In an increasingly uncertain and unstable world, democratic systems depend on individuals who can question responsibly, evaluate information critically, and engage thoughtfully with differing perspectives.
We believe these skills are developed through active practice and public engagement. Through our Labs, students learn by testing ideas, engaging in structured dialogue, and refining their thinking through debate. Beyond our Labs, Y contributes to the broader civic conversation by publishing research papers, articles, and blogs, and by providing an open platform for students and young people to exercise their voice in public discourse.
By cultivating both the skills of thinking and the responsibility of expression, Y works to strengthen the foundations of a democratic future grounded in clarity, reason, and intellectual integrity.
Where We Operate
Y operates across seven regions, Canada, the United States, Spain, China, Venezuela, Sri Lanka and Kazakstan, while remaining globally accessible to youth worldwide. Our publications, research, and platforms for civic dialogue are open across borders, ensuring that critical thought and democratic engagement are not limited by geography. At the same time, our Labs are regionally tailored, shaped by the cultural, political, and educational realities of each place. Select in-person Labs deepen this local engagement, allowing participants to apply ideas within real-world contexts. This structure enables Y to think globally, operate locally, and scale responsibly as we expand into new regions. We welcome any help from anywhere, just click the contact us button!
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