Dear Friends,

This fall, we will celebrate 20 years of the Caregiving Youth Project. What began in 2006 at one Palm Beach County middle school became the first program in the United States created specifically to identify and support these young people who are family caregivers. Since then, more than 3,000 students across 44 middle and high schools have received services, encouragement, and the knowledge that they are not alone.

I am deeply proud of what our students, families, staff, schools, volunteers, donors, and community partners have built together. I am also proud to see recognition of Caregiving Youth moving far beyond Palm Beach County.

Twenty years of progress gives us much to celebrate, but there are still many more Caregiving Youth waiting to be identified and supported. The Caregiving Youth Project can grow only as resources allow. Every service, activity, home visit, school partnership, and opportunity described in this newsletter is made possible by people who believe these young people deserve support.

As we celebrate this milestone, I hope you will continue standing with us and help make the next 20 years possible. When they succeed, so does our society!



With deep appreciation,

Connie

You may have seen several different answers to this question, including 5.4 million, 4 million, 3–5 million, 1.6 million, and 1.3–1.4 million.

These figures are not directly comparable because they come from different studies measuring different age groups, caregiving situations, and time periods. Without that context, the estimates can appear contradictory. They are not.

AACY has published a new plain language guide explaining what each major U.S. estimate measures, why every current figure should be understood as an undercount, and which number is most appropriate to use.

The total number of Caregiving Youth in the United States remains unknown. Until new, fully documented national research is published, 5.4 million remains the most widely cited and best available estimate. It should be understood as a floor, not a ceiling.

This guide reflects major published U.S. Caregiving Youth prevalence estimates as of May 2026. It was prepared by Sara Pomakoy Poole, Co-Chair of the AACY National Advisory Council, and submitted for review to Dr. Connie Siskowski, Founder of the American Association of Caregiving Youth; Dr. Julie Belkowitz Lichtenstein of Nova Southeastern University; and Dr. Elizabeth Olson of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Read and Download the Guide

Beginning August 1, 2026, Common App will replace “care-taking” with “caregiving” in the “Challenges and Circumstances” question for the 2026–2027 college application.

AACY contacted Common App last year to recommend the change, and Common App recently confirmed that the wording had been updated.

For some students, this may be the first time their experience is named in a formal system connected to college access. Caregiving Youth may now be more likely to recognize that the question includes them and, if they choose, explain how caregiving has shaped their education and their lives.

Caregiving can build confidence, empathy, responsibility, and resilience. It can also affect grades, attendance, activities, work schedules, and the time available to build a traditional college application.

“Though the words operate as synonyms, helping young people identify as caregivers - if they choose to do so - has been a major push of US organizations because it facilitates recognition of the tremendous contributions they make to their families.” - Dr. Elizabeth Olson, Caregiving Youth researcher, UNC Chapel Hill

This language change may be small, but it could help more students recognize and describe an important part of their experience. That experience should open doors, not close them.

This summer, Caregiving Youth Project students had opportunities to step away from their usual responsibilities, spend time with friends, and make memories of their own.

Students connected with animals at Rescue Life Sanctuary, cooled off on the slides at Rapids Water Park, explored their creativity during Art Week, enjoyed a guided art activity at Painting with a Twist, and gathered with their families for games, food, a splash pad, snow cones, giveaways, and time together at the annual Family Day Picnic.

Each activity looked different, but the purpose was the same: meaningful respite, connection, and time for Caregiving Youth to relax, have fun, and enjoy experiences of their own. The Family Day Picnic also gave students and their families a chance to enjoy time together.

These are the moments made possible by our donors, volunteers, and supporters.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Caregiving Youth Project

This fall, AACY will celebrate 20 years of the Caregiving Youth Project and the people who have helped transform lives and strengthen our community.

The first U.S. program created specifically to serve youth caregivers began in fall 2006 at one Palm Beach County middle school. Since then, the Caregiving Youth Project has served more than 3,000 students across 44 middle and high schools, with many more still waiting to be reached.

Ticket information and additional details will be announced soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact christie@aacy.org for more information.

AACY will bring together middle and high school Caregiving Youth from across the country for a free virtual connection event on Thursday, November 12, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern.

The event will be moderated by Madeline Grace Asbell. After bringing Caregiving Youth advocacy to a new statewide audience through the Miss Texas’ Teen competition, Madeline will help young people connect directly with others who understand the responsibilities and emotions that can come with caring for a family member.

The gathering will include youth stories, guided conversations, and activities designed to help participants share, listen, and recognize that they are not alone.

Registration details and additional information are coming soon.

| Here Are a Few Ways You Can Support AACY!

• Commit to a Monthly Donation
• Attend a Local Fundraising Event
• Become a Business/Corporate Sponsor
• Become an Affiliate
• Donate in honor of a loved one and add their name to the American Association of Caregiving Youth Wall of Recognition - makes a great gift!
• Connect AACY to local or national events for Speaking Engagements to educate about Caregiving Youth
• Volunteer to support our students and programs
• Follow, like, share, and comment on AACY's LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram

Mission: We champion youth who provide care for chronically ill, injured, elderly, and/or disabled family members. We support their role as caregiver and guide their success in school and life.

Vision: We envision a nation in which there is understanding, appreciation, and celebration of the lives of Caregiving Youth on their individual path to life’s dreams and opportunities.

The American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY) is a Florida 501 (c) (3) corporation.

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH12431) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.