In today’s rapidly changing world, ensuring the success and well-being of our youth is more critical than ever. However, many young people face systemic barriers and challenges that hinder their economic mobility and overall well-being. To address these issues, policymakers must take bold action to dismantle ego-systems and create thriving ecosystems that promote economic mobility and well-being for all youth. Here are seven ways on how we can do it:

1. Empowering Youth Voice and Agency: To create a thriving youth ecosystem, policymakers must recognize that youth agency is pivotal. Policies should be designed so that young people can actively participate in decision-making, whether in schools, communities, or policy discussions. Policies can bolster youth agency through leadership initiatives. State agencies also contribute by establishing youth advisory councils or creating youth-led initiatives within state agencies.
2. Go Upstream by Investing in Education and Workforce Development: Education and skills to participate in the labor market are the key to economic mobility. Policymakers should invest in high-quality education and youth workforce development programs that equip youth with the knowledge, skills, and credentials needed to succeed in the 21st-century economy. This includes expanding access to quality K-12 education, vocational training, youth apprenticeships, and higher education.

3. Building Collaborative Partnerships: Creating a thriving ecosystem for youth and their families requires collaboration across systems, sectors, and stakeholders. Schools, families, community organizations, businesses, and government agencies must work together to provide comprehensive support systems that address the diverse needs of young people. By pooling resources and expertise from federal and state government and philanthropy, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions.

4. Investing in Holistic Support Systems: Building a thriving youth ecosystem requires investing in holistic support systems that address the multifaceted needs of youth and their families. This includes access to quality education, healthcare, mental health services, afterschool programs, mentorship programs, and recreational opportunities. By providing wraparound support, we can ensure that young people have the resources they need to thrive.

5. Centering Equity in Policy Development: Policymakers must prioritize equity in all aspects of policymaking, addressing systemic inequalities and barriers that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This includes implementing policies at the federal and state level to increase access to quality education, healthcare, affordable housing, and employment opportunities for all youth, regardless of their background or zip code. A truly inclusive ecosystem is one that recognizes and values the diversity of its members.

6. Fostering Resilience and Well-being: Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being. Policymakers should prioritize mental health and well-being by increasing access to mental health services, destigmatizing mental illness, and promoting positive mental health practices in schools, workplaces, and communities. This includes integrating social and emotional supports in school and providing support for youth experiencing mental health challenges in safe and supportive environments where young people feel valued and respected.

7. Cultivating Empathy and Compassion: Finally, at the heart of a thriving ecosystem for youth and their families is cultivating empathy and compassion – qualities that are essential for building caring and supportive communities. By fostering empathy, young people learn to understand and connect with others’ experiences, building stronger relationships and a sense of belonging. Equally important is the development of empathy skills in the adults who engage with young people across different systems, enabling them to model empathetic behavior in their interactions.

Building thriving ecosystems for youth requires bold and concerted action from policymakers at all levels of government. Policymakers working together with practitioners can create environments where all youth can thrive and reach their full potential.