Our Mission

Babel Institute is an independent, nonpartisan public policy think tank dedicated to advancing practical policy solutions to the social, economic, and political challenges facing young people around the world.

Founded in 2025, Babel brings together young leaders, scholars, and policymakers to ensure that the voices and perspectives of the next generation inform the decisions that shape their future. Through research, education, and community engagement,we develop solutions that are just, actionable, and centered on the needs of young people.

At the heart of our mission is VerityVoices Journal, the publishing arm of the think tank and our youth-centered platform for commentary and storytelling.

At Verity, we combine rigorous research with lived experience to examine critical issues such as migration, climate change, education reform, youth justice, and affordable housing. Our goal is to connect empirical analysis with first-hand experience, ensuring that policy is both evidence-based and responsive to the realities of the people it aims to serve.

Our Name

In the biblical story of the Tower of Babel, humanity sought to build a tower to “reach the heavens.” As punishment for their hubris, God scattered them across the earth and confused their language so they could no longer understand one another. The tower was left unfinished, and humanity divided.

At Babel Institute, we take inspiration from this story not as a symbol of arrogance and defiance, but as a reminder of humanity’s first attempt to come together around a common purpose.

What was once a story of dispersal is now our mandate to assemble — to bring the youth of the world together, not to reach the heavens, but to influence public policy. In one language and one voice, we work to create a more peaceful and just world.

Vision

We envision a future where young people are recognized as essential partners in governance and policymaking. Equipped with knowledge and a collective voice, they shape education systems, expand economic opportunities, reimagine community safety, and advance democratic participation. Babel Institute is committed to placing youth at the center of public policy worldwide.

Our Approach

Babel Institute advances its mission through a five-part strategy:

- We conduct rigorous research that translates the perspectives and lived experiences of young people into actionable policy recommendations.
- Our work prioritizes issues that directly shape youth futures—education, economic mobility, community safety, migration & immigration, and democratic participation.
- Verity Voices Journal is the publishing arm of the think tank and a hub where young thinker’s share their ideas and shape public discourse.
- Verity combines rigorous research with lived experience to develop solutions grounded in both evidence and reality, creating a space where youth perspectives inform and shape critical policy conversations on issues such as immigration, climate change, education reform, youth justice, and affordable housing.
- We equip emerging youth leaders and scholars with the tools to engage in policymaking at local, national, and global levels.
- Through programs, fellowships, and workshops, Babel Institute builds the next generation of policymakers, community organizers, and scholars.
- We conduct rigorous, data-driven research that translates the perspectives and lived experiences of young people into actionable policy recommendations.
- Our work prioritizes issues that directly shape youth futures—education, economic mobility, community safety, migration and immigration, and democratic participation.
- Babel Institute equips young people with the resources and support to become change agents in their communities.
- Our outreach initiatives focus on building civic skills, creating pathways for youth to lead in their communities, and linking grassroots action to broader policy debates.
- By engaging directly with communities, we work to make public policy reflect the perspectives of those most affected.