Riverside Teen Balances Academics, Activism, and Community Service

Caitlyn Cohen, a high school senior, juggles leadership roles at school and with a local nonprofit organization.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 12:00pm

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Caitlyn Cohen, a senior at John W. North High School in Riverside, California, has been making a significant impact in her community. In addition to her impressive academic achievements, including serving as president of the National Honor Society, she is also a board member and social media manager for the nonprofit organization Family Promise of Riverside, which supports unhoused families in the area. Caitlyn has spearheaded several campaigns for the organization and is also a researcher with a cognitive sciences lab at Cal State San Bernardino.

Why it matters

Caitlyn's story highlights the dedication and passion of young community leaders who are making a difference in their local neighborhoods. Her involvement with Family Promise of Riverside and her leadership roles at school demonstrate the positive impact that young people can have when they are given the opportunity to get involved and make a difference.

The details

At just 18 years old, Caitlyn Cohen has already accomplished a remarkable amount. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has been a board member and social media manager for Family Promise of Riverside since 2022, when the organization was still in its early years. In this role, she runs the organization's weekly 'Wednesday Wishlists' social media posts and has spearheaded several campaigns, including an informative series last fall drawing attention to the potential impact of losing SNAP benefits. At her high school, Caitlyn serves as president of the National Honor Society, has captained the Mock Trial team (earning two county awards for witness roles), and is both an actor and club officer in the theater club. Last year, she took the lead role in North's production of The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland. Beyond high school, Caitlyn is a researcher with a cognitive sciences lab at Cal State San Bernardino and will be presenting her work at a research conference in late April.

  • Caitlyn has been a board member and social media manager for Family Promise of Riverside since 2022.
  • Last year, Caitlyn took the lead role in North's production of The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.
  • Caitlyn will be presenting her research work at a conference in late April 2026.

The players

Caitlyn Cohen

A senior at John W. North High School in Riverside, California, who is balancing impressive academic achievements, community service, and leadership roles.

Family Promise of Riverside

A nonprofit organization founded in 2020 that supports unhoused families in the Riverside community through a rotational housing model, connecting them to shelter, case management, and a path toward long-term stability.

John W. North High School

The high school that Caitlyn Cohen attends, where she holds several leadership positions.

Cal State San Bernardino

The university where Caitlyn is a researcher with a cognitive sciences lab and will be presenting her work at a conference.

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What they’re saying

“To me, Riverside means comfort, family, and friends.”

— Caitlyn Cohen, High School Senior

“Help support Family Promise of Riverside! You can give a one-time donation, become a monthly donor, or volunteer your time. There's lots of ways to get involved, and you can learn more at fpriverside.org.”

— Caitlyn Cohen, High School Senior

What’s next

Readers can support Caitlyn's efforts by donating, becoming a monthly donor, or volunteering with Family Promise of Riverside. More information is available on the organization's website at fpriverside.org.

The takeaway

Caitlyn Cohen's story is a testament to the power of young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities. Her dedication to academics, activism, and community service serves as an inspiration for other youth who want to get involved and make a difference.