Project Teal

the student-led movement to revitalize our democracy

Our Mission

Project TEAL is a student-led, non-partisan organization committed to providing young people with the knowledge and tools to become engaged citizens in the democratic process.

The Solution

Tolerance - By fostering meaningful and honest conversations, Project TEAL believes that civic engagement is the key to dismantling the political polarization that has come to dominate our geopolitical climate today.

Engagement - Through partnerships with school districts, local libraries, and community organizations, we hope that our civic engagement workshops will encourage and engage young students to be active participants in their community.

Action - By advocating for increased civic education at local, state, and federal levels, we hope to act as a catalyst for students to take charge.

Learning - As a Gen Z-led organization, Project TEAL wishes to provide young students with the knowledge, connections, and tools to become our generation’s next engaged and forward-thinking citizens.

Our work

Project TEAL emphasizes two major facets to involve young people in civics: Education and Legislative Advocacy.

See below how we implement these two priorities into our work with school districts, non-profit organizations, and advocacy groups.

Our Work

in the news

Our Executive Director, Shom Joshi, in the news:

He was recently awarded the Mayor's Award of Excellence by Mayor Richard Irvin (City of Aurora, IL) on November 5th (Election Day).
He was an invited guest to the Windy City Weekend Live Show on ABC7 on November 1st.
He was also interviewed by the Chicago Tribune, and Authority Magazine - a Medium publication.

Shom Joshi (center) pictured with Mayor Richard Irvin (right) and Alderwoman Patty Smith (left) on November 5, 2024 (Election Day)

Shom Joshi (center) pictured with the hosts of the Windy City Weekend Live show on November 1, 2024 - Val Warner (Right) and Tracy Butler (Left)

Shom Joshi pictured with Mayor Richard Irvin on November 5, 2024 (Election Day)

Shom Joshi at the Windy City Weekend/ABC7 studio on November 1, 2024

Shom Joshi pictured with Alderwoman Patty Smith on November 5, 2024 (Election Day)

Shom Joshi at the Windy City Weekend/ABC7 studio on November 1, 2024

'Windy City Weekend' talks importance of young voters in election, holiday gift dealsThis week on "Windy City Weekend," with the 2024 election just four days away, Val and special guest co-host Tracy Butler sat down with Gen Z activist Shom Joshi on the importance of empowering young people to vote.

Column: Kid brother steps in to lead national group pushing Gen Z civic involvementShom Joshi, a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, is concerned about the amount of misinformation that has flooded this election year, about partisan biases and about heightened rheto…

High Impact Philanthropy: Shom Joshi Of Project TEAL and Say No to PFAS On How To Leave A Lasting Legacy With A Successful & Effective Nonprofit Organization

An Interview with Karen Mangia

City of Aurora, IL, GovernmentYOUNG CIVIC LEADER HONORED ON ELECTION DAY: Today is Election Day, and although he is too young to vote, Shom Joshi, 17, is making his voice heard by amplifying the voices of young people in the...

Young Civic Leader Honored on Election DayBy Jason Crane The Aurora City Council honored a young civic leader on election day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, at the Aurora City Council, Committee of the Whole meeting. Shom Joshi, a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, is honored by mayor of Aurora, Richard Irvin, right, and Ward 8 alderwoman Patty Smith. City...