Our Story
Social Good Meets
Sustainability
By Kids, For Kids
Who Is Kids Connect?
We're a youth-led nonprofit turning digital waste into digital opportunity.
We started Kids Connect after seeing too many kids left behind — disconnected from school, opportunities, and their communities simply because they didn't have a phone.
We're changing that by providing access to technology with thoughtfully designed applications that empower children to reach new heights.
Our Mission
To bring digital connection and opportunity to every kid, in every corner of the world, by giving old phones a new purpose and turning digital waste into digital impact.
Our Vision
A future where young people have access to the digital tools they need to thrive, and where individuals and businesses see old phones as a chance to invest in a more sustainable, connected world.
Our Team
Ben Goorno
CEO & Co-Founder
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Ben is a high school senior in Concord, Massachusetts, and the CEO of Kids Connect. He started the organization out of a deep desire to help others and a belief that small actions, like donating a phone, can create big opportunities for young people.
When he’s not leading Kids Connect, you’ll find him playing soccer, hitting the golf course, or driving his friends to Chipotle.
Cooper Balfour
President & Co-Founder
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Cooper is a senior at Concord-Carlisle High School and serves as the President of Kids Connect. He co-founded the organization after noticing how many kids were being left out simply because they didn’t have access to a phone, while so many old devices sat unused in drawers.
Outside of Kids Connect, he enjoys playing soccer and golf, hanging with friends, and volunteering in the community.
Sidhant
India Founder and CEO of Light of Letters
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Siddhant is a high school student in Pune, India, and the founder of Light of Letters, an India-based nonprofit that creates inclusive learning experiences for visually impaired youth. He partnered with Kids Connect to expand access to accessible technology in rural communities.
Outside of his advocacy work, Siddhant is an internationally ranked debater, chess player, and Indian cricket enthusiast. He also makes time for Fortnite matches with friends and binge-watching Young Sheldon with his cat, Elsa.
Our Values
Connection
We connect more than phones. We connect kids to education, safety, belonging, and growth opportunities because everyone deserves access to the digital tools that help them thrive.
Empowerment
We’re a movement led by youth, for youth. We lead with lived experience, empathy, and the belief that young people have the power to shape the future.
Transparency
We earn trust by keeping our word, tracking every phone through certified partners, and making our impact visible through detailed reporting that shows exactly where phones go.
Impact
We focus on real people, real barriers, and real outcomes, thoughtfully placing every phone where it can make the greatest difference in someone’s life.
Sustainability
We turn digital waste into opportunity by repurposing devices for positive social impact, or recycling them responsibly when reuse isn’t an option, ensuring the smallest carbon footprint.
We’re
Just Getting Started
Every phone reused prevents about 55 pounds of CO₂ emissions.
A donated phone can open access to education, connection, and opportunity.
Reusing just one smartphone saves enough energy to power a laptop for 44 hours.
