Los Angeles, California Oct 10, 2025 (Issuewire.com) - Creative Visions today announced the recipients of the 2025 #CreateConnectCare Awards, honoring 55 extraordinary young artists, writers, performers, and media makers from around the world who are using their creativity to build mental health awareness and emotional connection among their peers. Three exceptional teachers were also recognized as Educator Champions for their commitment to empowering student voices.
In advance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, this announcement highlights the urgent global need for support for youth mental health. In the United States, 40% of teens report experiencing persistent sadness and hopelessness, while worldwide, 1 in 7 adolescents experience mental health challenges. The #CreateConnectCare Awards celebrate the courage it takes to share one's story and the power of young people to help others feel seen, heard, and understood.
“In a time when so many young people are carrying heavy burdens, these awards are a reminder of the power of creative expression,” said Pat Chandler, CEO at Creative Visions. “It’s about courage, hope, and the deep human connection that comes when we share our stories. It's nothing short of transformative."
Recognizing Creative Impact and Connection Across the Globe
With participation from more than 3,000 young people (ages 11–18) across all 50 U.S. states and 37 countries, #CreateConnectCare is becoming a global movement. What makes it extraordinary isn’t just the numbers – it’s the stories. These submissions offer a rare, authentic glimpse into what young people are navigating today: immigrant identity, social media pressure, body image, and feelings of isolation. Across the globe, youth are channeling these experiences into powerful creative expressions that invite us to reflect, connect, and remember we’re not alone.
The #CreateConnectCare Awards recognize a diverse range of creative works across multiple mediums. These include a powerful stop-motion film about the reasons to keep going, a poignant painting that explores the pressure of academic success, and a musical composition that uses the metaphor of foggy thoughts passing just as the sun breaks through.
Honorees are celebrated across several categories, including the top-tier Creative Changemaker Award and the highly commended Creative Courage Award. Recognition grants ranging from $100 to $500 are awarded to youth creators and educators whose work fosters connection, empathy, and mental health awareness.
These voices reflect the heart of the campaign:
“I hope others will read my poem and feel understood. I hope it reminds them that it’s okay to not have everything neatly wrapped up. That brokenness can still be beautiful. That healing doesn’t always come from holding it together; it can come from letting go.”
—Emily, age 15, California
“This award is a wonderful motivator that encourages us to keep growing, creating, and contributing positively. It reminds us that our efforts are seen and valued, which inspires us to keep moving forward with even greater dedication.”
—Educator Champion, Kenya
Explore the Gallery & Join the Global Movement
Visit the #CreateConnectCare Awards Gallery to watch the 2025 #CreateConnectCare Awards video, experience powerful works, and hear directly from the creators.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 #CreateConnectCare Challenge opens globally on January 12, 2026—inviting youth across the world to share their stories, spark connection, and create change.
The time is now. Together, we can create a future where no young person feels invisible, and every voice becomes a catalyst for change.
About #CreateConnectCare
Launched by Creative Visions in 2023, #CreateConnectCare is a year-long initiative that empowers youth ages 11-18 to share their stories, build empathy, and spark change through creative expression, promoting mental health and well-being. By sharing their mental health experiences and perspectives, young people can raise awareness, foster empathy, and inspire others to take action.
About Creative Visions
Creative Visions empowers artists, filmmakers, musicians, and other impact media makers to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change through storytelling – one of our most powerful tools for creating a more just, caring, and sustainable world. The nonprofit organization and United Nations NGO was founded in memory of 22-year-old artist and photojournalist Dan Eldon, who died in 1993 while covering the conflict in Somalia for Reuters News Agency. Creative Visions’ Impact Education programs support youth, educators, and changemakers in understanding how to utilize media, the arts, and technology to take creative action on the issues they care about.
Media Contact
Creative Visions Foundation kathy.saulitis@creativevisions.org 2032473664 18820 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 201 http://www.creativevisions.org
