About We are FYI

Discover how we empower youth toward opportunity.

Happy friends sitting on steps

About the FutureYOUth Initiative (FYI) Led by Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad

The FutureYOUth Initiative (FYI) is a statewide movement designed to strengthen emotional wellness, belonging, and connection for young people across Connecticut. Led by Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad, FYI brings together youth, families, schools, community programs, and partners to understand what young people need most and to build solutions with them, not for them.

At its core, FYI is about voice, visibility, and support.
We believe every young person deserves to feel seen, heard, and prepared for their future.

Our Mission

To strengthen the emotional wellness, belonging, and long-term success of young people by connecting youth, programs, and communities through meaningful experiences, shared data, and a statewide platform that elevates youth voice.

Students collaborating in a classroom
Two students greeting each other in a school hallway.

Our Vision

A Connecticut where every young person feels supported, connected, and confident in their journey and where youth voice shapes the programs, decisions, and opportunities that impact their lives.

What FYI Does

FYI is built on five interconnected pillars that work together to support young people and the programs that serve them:

  • FYI Awards

    Celebrating organizations and individuals who create supportive, inspiring, and meaningful opportunities for youth. The Awards highlight innovation, strengthen visibility, and help raise the standard for youth programming statewide.

  • Youth Voice Conversations

    Guided, small-group conversations designed to help young people open up, connect, and share their lived experiences. These conversations give youth a safe space to express what they feel, what they need, and what they hope for.

  • SEE360™ Snapshots

    A quick, powerful insight tool that provides programs with a clearer understanding of their youth. Each Snapshot includes group trends, strengths and needs, all designed to help programs strengthen connection and support.

  • FutureCon

    Our statewide youth conference, where learning meets creativity and connection. FutureCon brings together speakers, workshops, activations, and hands-on experiences that help young people explore identity, purpose, leadership, and wellness.

  • Statewide Data Reveal

    In the fall, FYI will share insights collected from youth across Connecticut. These findings elevate youth voice, highlight emerging trends, and help programs, educators, and communities make data-informed decisions that support young people.

Group of diverse students socializing and studying together.
Three girls sitting close, making heart shapes with their hands, smiling happily.

Why FYI Matters

Young people across Connecticut are navigating big emotions, big transitions, and big expectations.
But one thing remains true:

Youth thrive when they feel connected and supported.

FYI strengthens:

  • Belonging
  • Emotional wellness
  • Healthy identity development
  • Program quality and youth experiences
  • Community understanding of what young people need

By combining youth voice with real-time data, FYI helps communities see the whole picture and respond with intention.

Led With Expertise, Heart, and Vision

FYI is guided by Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad, a leader in youth development, emotional wellness, performance improvement, and transitions.
With 20+ years of experience designing programs, supporting youth-serving systems, and elevating community voice, Dr. Daye built FYI as a way to bring Connecticut together around one shared mission:

Help young people feel seen, supported, and ready for the future.

Three students with backpacks walking outdoors near a brick building.
Three young people using smartphones in a library.

Who FYI Serves

FYI serves:

  • Youth (high school through young adult)
  • Parents & caregivers
  • Schools
  • Youth programs
  • Sports teams
  • Colleges & student organizations
  • Faith-based groups
  • Community organizations
  • Municipal youth services

If a group supports youth, they belong in the FYI ecosystem.

Join Us

Whether you’re a young person, parent, educator, coach, or program leader, you’re invited to be part of this growing movement.

Together, we can build a statewide community where every young person feels connected, supported, and prepared for what comes next.