Youth development is essential infrastructure, not an add-on, and sustaining it requires real investment in the systems, intermediaries, and workforce that support young people every day.

State systems are rising to the challenge of addressing the growing youth mental health crisis in the wake of the pandemic. In this blog, we take a closer look at how states in our BEST Youth Initiative are responding to post-pandemic mental health trends. Through innovative strategies and cross-sector partnerships, these states are driving efforts to support youth well-being and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.