Research indicates that social isolation among youth is on the rise and not only impacts a child's self-esteem, but also plays a key role in health and academic performance. A 2013 study published in the American Journal of Public Health linked social isolation with depression, loss of sleep, eating disorders, and poor cardiovascular health. In 2016, a national survey revealed that 20% of middle school and high school students in the United States had trouble making friends, and nearly 50% did not participate in school clubs and extracurricular campus activities. In extreme cases, social isolation can lead to self-harm and community violence. Author of this article and founder of Beyond Differences, Laura Talmus, describes this organization as the only student-led nonprofit organization and social justice movement dedicated to ending adolescent social isolation. Beyond Differences addresses the need to help help teachers, school counselors, and students create more inclusive, accepting communities at their schools. This organization has developed unique curricula that meets Common Core guidelines and are aligned with the social emotional competencies defined by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL). It has also developed programs and national awareness days as well as positive prevention initiatives with online resources available to teachers entirely free of charge. The goal of Beyond Differences is to inspire students to change the culture of middle school and create a positive, more inclusive environment.