The Purpose Commons is built on the simple yet powerful premise that if we connect researchers and youth-serving organizations to advance and apply the science of purpose to youth programming, we will see a significant increase in activated purpose in youth and dramatic improvements in youth well-being overall.

The Purpose Commons is being designed as a dynamic learning network where collaborators interested in developing and applying the science of purpose engage together on projects such as the intersection of purpose with other aspects of development. 

The Purpose Commons is a project of Hopelab. Hopelab is a transformative social innovation lab and impact investor working to support the mental well-being of adolescents age 10 to 25, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and LGBTQ+ young people. Through philanthropic funding, collaborations, and intergenerational partnerships, Hopelab works at the intersection of tech and mental health alongside entrepreneurs, funders, researchers, and young change-makers to create systems of change and build a thriving future for underserved young people.

The Contribution Project began as a project by Dr. Anthony Burrow when he received a prize by Cornell. They grew the program in Ithaca, but wanted to see if the work could be taken across the country. In 2023, we expanded briefly to be The National Contribution Project. Our work was successful! We are thrilled to combine the two efforts and see what’s next. Throughout the project’s history, Dr. Burrow has a had a dedicated group of supporters and believers at Cornell, and we are deeply grateful.