Founded in 2018 at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the 16 Strong Project was created in response to what our founder, Samantha, experienced as a young person living with a mentally ill and addicted parent. Since then, through educational workshops, school partnerships, and community outreach, 16 Strong has continued conversations that help young people recognize and navigate the challenges they are facing as a result of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We believe that with strong support systems, healthy coping mechanisms, and a positive mindset, the negative impacts of ACEs can be mitigated.