Footprints on Campus – Why we must pray for America’s youth 

A movement called Footprints on Campus invites all interested parties to pick a school and start praying during August 11-15. This effort is being undertaken by the National Network for Youth Ministries and other organizations and individuals who care about students in America. (Courtesy photo) 

By Cory Freese, Idaho State Coordinator, National Network for Youth Ministries

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus describes a traveler beaten and left by the side of a 

road — a road known for its dangers. The powerful twist in that story isn’t just about the man who 

stopped to help; it’s about the fact that someone saw the need and chose to act. 

Today’s students are on a similar road. They’re navigating bullying, anxiety, social pressures, and deep questions about identity and worth. Some face physical danger; others endure emotional wounds that are just as damaging. In 67,000 public schools and nearly 1,300 juvenile detention centers across 

America, our young people are crying out for guidance, compassion, and hope. 

What if the Church became the Good Samaritan in this story? 81% of the teen population spends three-fourths of every year on a campus. 

Join the Movement: Footprints on Campus 

Footprints on Campus is part of the Symphony of Prayer, a nationwide initiative running through August and September to surround schools and students with prayer. Just as a symphony combines unique instruments into one breathtaking composition, this movement brings together churches, ministries, parents, students, and prayer warriors from every background in unified, powerful intercession. 

85% of people who follow Christ do so before the age of 15. In 2024 alone, nearly 2,000 schools were covered in prayer during Footprints week — and more than 1,000 were adopted for yearlong prayer. It’s working. Students are being reached. Culture is shifting. Hearts are softening. But we need more voices. More prayers. More footprints. 

How You Can Place Your Footprints 

This isn’t about launching a massive program or adding more to your plate. It’s about a simple act of 

faith: showing up and praying. Here’s how to get started: 

GO: Go to a local school and claim that ground in faith. Show up in person and cover a school or detention facility in prayer during August 11–15. This invitation is open to all leaders, ministers, parents, and community members who want to see teens’ lives radically changed by Jesus. We know it’s ambitious — but we believe we can do it together. Not sure where to start? Email [email protected] to get in touch with a prayer coordinator in your area. 

GROW: Grow our prayer coverage by adopting a school for year-round intercession. We want to see every school prayed for and every student within an arm’s reach of the gospel. We’re partnering with Every Student Every School to mobilize prayer warriors who will cover schools across the country throughout the year. Adopt a school for prayer. 

GIVE: Give to support the student ministries on that campus. Help launch this school year with prayer and purpose by investing in youth leaders committed to reaching students. You can give toward our national fund — or directly support a team member’s ministry by selecting their name in the dropdown menu at nnym.org/footprints. 

Why It Matters: A Legacy of Gospel Impact 

Since 1979, National Network of Youth Ministries (NNYM) has existed to shape the faith of the next 

generation. We unite and empower more than 37,000 youth leaders across the U.S., fostering collaboration, discipleship, and longevity in youth ministry. 

In partnership with grassroots prayer movements like See You at the Pole, Prayer Walk Projects, and 

now Symphony of Prayer, NNYM supports youth leaders reaching tens of thousands of schools with the good news of Jesus. And in collaboration with ministries like Moms in Prayer and Campus Alliance, we are mobilizing believers to cover every school in prayer — laying the foundation for gospel-centered relationships and transformation. 

Claim the Land in Prayer 

Joshua 1:3 says, “I will give you every place where you set your foot.” What if the next revival begins not in a stadium, but on a sidewalk in front of a public school? What if your prayers today lead to a student’s salvation tomorrow? 

We are inviting you to claim the ground for Christ — one campus at a time. Pick a school. Google one nearby. Start praying. Mark your calendar and join us August 11–15 for Footprints week. Invite a friend or small group. Prayer is stronger in unity. Download prayer resources from NNYM to guide your journey. 

Have questions? We’ve got answers. Email us at [email protected] or go to www.nnym.org/footprints.