Our Story

YEY (Youth Empowering Youth) was founded by Matthew Klapwijk and Lev Karasin, who were determined to address a significant gap in youth leadership education. Recognizing the untapped potential of young people, they set out to create a program that empowers youth to discover their inner leaders and make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Despite facing initial resistance from schools, Matthew and Lev remained steadfast in their mission. They targeted institutions that were already receptive to leadership initiatives and launched their first pilot program at South Delta Secondary School. This marked a pivotal moment, laying the foundation for YEY’s growth and success.

The program’s core principles are inspired by the book Slight Edge, emphasizing the power of small, consistent actions in achieving extraordinary results. Over time, YEY has evolved through feedback and collaboration with educators and students, honing its focus on self-discovery, resilience, and practical leadership skills.

Today, YEY has grown from its humble beginnings in a single school to a global initiative, reaching youth worldwide. Our mission remains clear: to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to thrive and create positive change. We believe every young person has the potential to lead—and we’re here to help them realize it.

Join us in empowering youth to change the world, one step at a time.