About StolenYouth

New Mona Partner in 2025

Founded in 2012, StolenYouth is a Seattle, Washington-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing child sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through education and advocacy, while fostering empowerment and resiliency for survivors. Over the past decade, StolenYouth has played a critical role in combatting trafficking through grantmaking, coalition-building, and direct survivor support. Recognizing the urgent need for prevention, the organization is now leading a groundbreaking initiative to provide free, accessible trafficking prevention education for youth, caregivers, and educators.

The Challenge

Each year, an estimated 500-700 children are trafficked in Washington State. The average age of first exploitation is just 14, and victims are disproportionately from marginalized communities, particularly Black, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ youth. Online exploitation is also on the rise, with one in three minors reporting an online sexual interaction. Despite these alarming trends, prevention education remains largely unavailable, leaving youth, caregivers, and educators without the tools they need to recognize and stop trafficking before it begins.

"I have spent the last three years working on putting my life back together. I found wonderful people... that have supported me on my journey to healing and that inspired me to go back to college and use my education and my personal story to help other people who have survived human trafficking or domestic violence. I am attending SNHU still and I am so excited about my degree. I am so thankful for the help that StolenYouth has given me in the form of the grant. I am beyond grateful..”- Bethany, Empowerment Fund Grantee

StolenYouth is developing Washington State’s first free, on-demand anti-trafficking education program. This initiative aligns with the state’s new mandate (RCW 28A.300.145) requiring trafficking prevention education in public schools by 2025.

Designed for students in grades 7-12, the program will provide lesson plans, facilitator guides, and resources for handling disclosures. The lessons will be piloted in 10 schools in spring of 2025. Following this, an online lesson library will be made available to all Washington public schools in the fall.

StolenYouth will be assisted by local nonprofits to implement the program. Future expansion will include content for younger students, parents, and caregivers as well as implementation in homeless shelters. 

By equipping young people with the knowledge and tools to recognize and prevent trafficking, StolenYouth is creating systemic change and a safer future for children.

How we help

Mona Foundation’s partnership with StolenYouth supports the development and implementation of this critical prevention education program. Through intentional curriculum design, instructional development, and program evaluation, the aim is to ensure that all youth, regardless of background, have access to life-saving education.

2025 Plans, $10,000

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