CONNECTING KIDS ACROSS CLASSROOMS, COMMUNITIES, AND TIME.

At Once Upon Our Time Capsule, we empower youth to explore their past, understand their present, and dream boldly about their future. We transform the traditional time capsule into a collective storytelling experience, empowering youth to reflect, connect, and share their voices.

How THE TIME CAPSULE works

Each year, we launch a new Youth Time Capsule with a unique theme and an aligned project-based, supplemental curriculum.
In schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and homeless shelters, youth use writing, art, and video to create and share artifacts for the digital Youth Time Capsule.
When the Time Capsule is reopened, participants are reconnected with the stories they preserved and can reflect on how far they’ve come.

Helping Kids Feel Seen, Heard, and ConnecteD

Today’s young people are facing record levels of loneliness and disconnection. Around the world, rates of adolescent loneliness have nearly doubled — and many students are struggling to feel connected, confident, and supported at school.

Once Upon Our Time Capsule uses storytelling and creative expression to help kids build confidence, strengthen relationships, and dream boldly about their future. Through art, theater, writing, and reflection, we create joyful spaces where young people feel valued, understood, and inspired.

Our Impact:

82% of students said the Time Capsule program helped them learn more about who they are — building stronger self-esteem.
83% enjoyed school more on days they participated — making school a place they want to be.
81% said their classmates and teachers understood them better — strengthening the supportive relationships kids need to thrive.

OUR Partners

We partner with schools, after school programs, and government agencies to bring our programming to youth in a variety of settings. Reach out to us at hello@ourtimecapsule.org with ways you want to partner.

" I see some of the most shy students begin to open up and show bravery by participating and sharing their ideas with the whole class. Students have the opportunity to show off their true authentic selves, helping them build their confidence. The attendance for the program is also one of the highest for after school, which highlights how engaging the program is for our students. I am grateful for the commitment Once Upon Our Time Capsule offers in partnering with us to provide support to the well being of our students.”
Mary Hayes, Chicago Public School teacher
"The program was amazing... Our students benefited so much. It really gave them a chance to reflect on their own identity, their own culture, and what makes them special and unique. What was really amazing was that they got to share that side of themselves with their peers and with their class. I can't say enough wonderful things about the program."
Monica Balesh, Counselor, Philip D. Armour Elementary School, a Chicago Public School
"The best thing about the program is that it is truly a time during the school day for our students to reflect on their personal stories, to think about how they react to what they are feeling, to better understand who they are and where they are from, not to mention thinking about what their futures hold. I feel that every student could benefit from the Once Upon Our Time Capsule program, regardless of age. The social-emotional component mixed with creativity make this a program that I will always inquire about collaborating with no matter where I go. I am so grateful for Once Upon Our Time Capsule!"
Erica Fouser, School Counselor, Lawndale Community Academy, Chicago
"Once Upon Our Time Capsule transformed my classroom at Patrick Henry Elementary. The program created a space where my shy 7th and 8th graders began opening up in meaningful ways. Students were empowered to think deeply about themselves today and who they hope to become in the future. The program's dual-language approach ensured our newcomer students felt their voices and stories mattered equally. The process supported both personal growth and community building within our diverse classroom. My students eagerly anticipated 'Miss Lizzy' each Wednesday, and were incredibly excited to seal their time capsules at the program's conclusion. As their teacher, I discovered aspects of their lives, hopes, and values I would have never learned otherwise. This program provided meaningful social-emotional learning experiences that created lasting impact on both my students and my teaching practice."
Lisa Siciliano-Riffenburg, Patrick Henry Elementary School

thanks to our supporters