Introduction to a Global Movement
A simple friendship in a freshman-year gym class has grown into a global movement led by two Connecticut high school students.
In 2023, Jordan Chen and Grace Millard — now juniors at Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, Connecticut —discovered they had more in common than just their class schedules.
The Birth of Restoring Rainbows
Surrounded by sweaty teens in a "sticky gym-class," as they describe it, the two bonded over their shared passions for art and activism. As time went by, their connection grew deeper. They shared concerns about climate change and their future, and found comfort and expression in different art forms. "As we talked more and more, we kind of realized a problem within our community," Chen says, "and that was our school wasn’t sustainable."
Identifying the Problem
Chen and Millard noticed pencils and erasers being thrown away just because they were dusty or unsharpened, generating unnecessary waste. At the same time, they knew that students a few towns over were lacking access to these basic educational materials. “Why don’t we just redistribute the school supplies where there’s an excess and put them to where they’re actually needed?" says Chen, recalling their conversation.
The Mission
That idea became the foundation of Restoring Rainbows, a nonprofit dedicated to making art accessible while reducing waste and protecting the planet. What began as a local project has expanded far beyond Connecticut. Now entering its third year, Restoring Rainbows has grown into a global organization with over 200 branches across 50 countries, supported by over 1000 volunteers and still growing. Together, they have collected, sanitized, refurbished, and redistributed more than 40,000 school supplies, including pens, pencils, books, and even revived markers.
The Process
Millard says they find ways to repair and elevate the supplies for a second life. Books are disinfected and flipped through to remove any scribbles or names, markers are taken apart, soaked in fresh dye, and reassembled, colored pencils and crayons are sharpened. Chen and Millard launched Restoring Rainbows when they were just 14 years old, and the organization has developed alongside them throughout their high school years.
The Power of Social Media
Their online community and social media is a big contributor to the growth. "We’ve found not only motivated individuals for our organization but other organizations organized by teenagers," says Millard, allowing them to learn from other groups and communities on social media. Chen says that because of social media, he believes, "anyone in our time and our world can be an activist." A young person can go on Instagram or TikTok and make content that reaches millions of people.
Global Expansion
Restoring Rainbows now has branches around the world run by locals in that community, allowing them to focus on their individual needs. "If a community needs more books or needs more school supplies, they can focus on what their community needs," says Millard. For the co-founders, their mission is about more than refurbishing art supplies. "It’s all about restoring hope," says Millard. "A rainbow is a symbol of hope and a new beginning for so many people."
Advice to Others
Their advice: "You really just have to go for it," Millard says. "Never wait until you feel qualified enough because at the end of the day it’s not about what you can do versus what someone else can do, it’s about what you want to do and what you will go out and actually do." "There are so many incredible people around the world who could do what we are doing," she said. "It’s really that step that we both took, and we pushed each other to take to pursue this mission."
Conclusion
In the midst of high school drama, physics tests, and school dances, these two students did what so many only imagine. Check out where your local Restoring Rainbows branch is and how you can help. Or, if there isn’t one near you, you can apply to start your own.
FAQs
- Q: What is Restoring Rainbows?
A: Restoring Rainbows is a nonprofit dedicated to making art accessible while reducing waste and protecting the planet. - Q: How did Restoring Rainbows start?
A: It started with two high school students, Jordan Chen and Grace Millard, who noticed the waste of school supplies and decided to redistribute them to those in need. - Q: How can I get involved with Restoring Rainbows?
A: You can check out their website to find a local branch near you and volunteer, or apply to start your own branch if one doesn’t exist in your area. - Q: What types of supplies does Restoring Rainbows collect and redistribute?
A: They collect, sanitize, refurbish, and redistribute school supplies such as pens, pencils, books, and markers. - Q: How many branches does Restoring Rainbows have globally?
A: Restoring Rainbows has over 200 branches across 50 countries, supported by over 1000 volunteers.
