Transforming Futures Through Speculative YPAR: The Garage Story

The COVID-19 pandemic caused disruptions for young people across the U.S., exacerbating feelings of isolation and disconnection. In response, the [Youth] Think Tank—a paid Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) internship—was launched in [city name]. Teens from diverse backgrounds came together to address the issues they and their peers were facing. This article chronicles the journey of the [Youth] Think Tank through each phase of its YPAR project, following the design process step-by-step as the group developed The [Hub]: a youth-designed space that fosters connection, safety, and belonging within the community. Starting from the program's inception, we trace how the teens identified their peers' needs, envisioned an inclusive community space, and translated those ideas into actionable designs. This article also explores the integration of Speculative YPAR, a creative approach that empowered teens to imagine futures unconstrained by current limitations and to envision a space that could serve their community. By blending research, imagination, and practical action, the [Youth] Think Tank redefined community engagement and demonstrated the power of youth-led projects in reshaping post-pandemic futures. This chronological account of the project's design phases offers a unique insight into how young people can transform their communities when given the freedom to lead.