Who Supports Teen Ink?

Teen Ink is an independent print publication of The Young Authors Foundation, Inc. We are not affiliated with any individual, group or organization. We receive our income from four sources: advertisers in the magazine who support our goals and want to reach teenagers with their message; tax-deductible donations people have made to our charitable nonprofit foundation; payment for subscriptions of the print magazine requested by schools for their students; and all royalties from the sale of the Teen Ink books.

What is the philosophy behind Teen Ink?

The Young Authors Foundation feels strongly that one of the greatest needs of young people is to preserve their sense of self-worth. Teen Ink's role is to listen to its contributors and provide a forum in which teens can express themselves through poetry, essays, stories, reviews, art and photography.

What is The Young Authors Foundation?

The Young Authors Foundation, Inc., founded in 1989, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit foundation providing a unique and far-reaching reading, communications and writing experience for teenagers. Teen Ink, the foundation's monthly print magazine, reaches hundreds of thousands of students in public and private high schools and middle schools across the country. The foundation also maintains an online version with daily features to allow additional teens an opportunity to be published.

How can I get more involved in The Young Authors Foundation?

There are many ways your support can help.

1. Consider making a tax-deductible donation.
2. Subscribe to Teen Ink Magazine.
3. Join the Teen Ink Teacher Advisory Board if you are a middle or high school educator.
4. Sponsor schools in your area.
5. Advertise your business and reach a nationwide audience of teens.
6. Help us make contacts with celebrities for our ongoing Interview Contest.

Please call 617-964-6800 if you are interested in helping Teen Ink and The Young Authors Foundation.

What celebrities receive Teen Ink and why?

Many athletes, educators, artists, authors, community leaders, business executives and caring individuals receive Teen Ink because they feel it is important for teen voices to be heard. Please see our We're Listening list.

How does Teen Ink receive its material?

We have no staff writers or artists; all teenagers are encouraged to submit work. We read and review every submission, and though we can't publish every one, the creative process itself is satisfying and rewarding for teens. The letters we receive from students, teachers, parents and administrators attest to this. If a piece is accepted, the student has the joy of seeing his or her work in print and/or on the Internet.

What is the Teacher Advisory Board?

Teacher Advisory Board members serve as liaisons and advisors to Teen Ink. They use the magazine in a variety of ways and are available if you have questions or suggestions. See our Teacher Advisory Board list!

Why have celebrities agreed to Teen Ink interviews?

George Lucas, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sen. John Glenn, Whoopi Goldberg, Pedro Martinez, Andrew Shue, General Colin Powell and Hillary Clinton all participated in an exclusive interview by teens for our magazine because they want to encourage as many teenagers as possible to reach out and learn more about the people who affect their lives.

We encourage teens to interview family members, neighbors, business people and friends to learn about the lives and histories of those close to them. Thousands of students submit interviews, many are published and those with the very best are chosen to do an exclusive interview with a celebrity for Teen Ink.

How is Teen Ink different from a school newspaper?

With budget cuts and other pressures, many schools no longer have a high school paper or literary journal. Some schools have a publication that comes out "whenever possible." In a few cases, schools maintain the tradition of a high school paper but don't accept submissions from large numbers of students. Any teenager can submit to our magazine, not just the few fortunate to be on the staff of their school paper. While school papers are only distributed within the school community, our print magazine reaches over 300,000 teenagers every month and many more on the Web.

How many schools receive Teen Ink?

Over 5,500 schools and libraries in all 50 states receive a class set of 30 (or more) copies of Teen Ink. See Subscribing Schools for a list of those receiving Teen Ink.

How are Teen Ink's magazine and books different?

The magazine enters its twenty fourth year in September 2012. The Teen Ink book series is a compilation of the very best of the pieces previously published in the magazine, with seven books already available nationwide.

Why the name change?

In 1989, our original name, The 21st Century, was an acknowledgment that the magazine belonged to the next generation. Now that we're in the 21st Century, the name seems old. Plus, Teen Ink more accurately reflects the magazine's content.

How can I contact Teen Ink and The Young Authors Foundation?

Email questions, concerns or praise to Editor@TeenInk.com or call 617-964-6800.