# At-Risk Teen Tees Tees at Risk Sells Original Works from Troubled Teenagers By Michael Hines | Published 2011-04-07 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tees-at-risk References: [springwise](http://www.springwise.com/non-profit_social_cause/teesatrisk/) & [teesatrisk](http://www.teesatrisk.com/) Tees At Risk is a for-benefit apparel company that lets at-risk teenagers tell their stories through t-shirts. The company lets former and current at-risk teens put their artistic talents to work by [designing t-shirts that benefit charity](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/orange-shirt-day). A 10 percent cut of each shirt sold by Tees At Risk goes to a charity that helps at-risk teens, usually one chosen by the artist. Each shirt also comes with a QR code that, when scanned, gives a more detailed explanation about the artist and the meaning behind their shirt. I would be lying if I said I didn't love this business model. Everyone wants to donate to charity, but most people would like to get something in return besides a tax write-off. Offering up t-shirts and [insight into the artist's plight](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gap-1) makes donating a much more personal experience. Tees At Risk currently has four different styles of shirts that sell for $25 each. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 21% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Art Therapy Apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a platform that connects at-risk teenagers with art therapists to co-create apparel designs that help express their emotions and experiences. - **QR Code Storytelling:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a service that allows customers to generate personalized QR codes that can be added to products, enabling them to share their stories and experiences with others. - **Charitable Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a marketplace that curates and sells fashion items designed by individuals facing adversity, with a portion of the proceeds going to relevant charities. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion Retail:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Establish a retail brand that exclusively sells apparel and accessories crafted by at-risk teenagers, focusing on empowering this community and raising awareness. - **Social Impact Consulting:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Start a consulting firm that advises businesses on how to incorporate social impact initiatives into their operations, such as partnering with at-risk youth to co-create products. - **Youth Empowerment Programs:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a comprehensive program that combines artistic expression, entrepreneurship, and mentorship to give at-risk teenagers the tools and opportunities to create and sell their own products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [At-Risk Youth-Targeted Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pacific-links-foundation.md) - [Wildfire Relief Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clare-v.md) - [Viral Oversized Waistband Hoodies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unfinished-apparel.md) - [Effortless AI T-Shirt Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-t.md) - [AR Fashion Creations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eternitee-ar-platform.md) - [Kid Entrepreneur Carts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/entrepreneurship-for-children.md) - [Limited-Edition True Crime Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/serial-killer-shop.md) - [Connection-Driven Apparel Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cool-to-connect-1.md) - [Activism-Focused Apparel Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/aeropostale-1.md)