At the Forum for Youth Investment, we believe that every young person deserves access to high-quality programs that nurture their growth, inspire their passions, and prepare them for a bright future. Today, we’re excited to launch the Commit to Quality campaign, an initiative to spotlight the inspiring ways program quality is being elevated across youth development—with insights from dedicated partners and leaders in the field.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll dig into what quality means in youth programs, why it’s essential, and how organizations can integrate continuous improvement practices to ensure every young person has the support they need to thrive. Through blog posts, infographics, impact stories, and interviews, we’ll explore the transformative impact of quality-driven approaches.

What Does Program Quality Mean, and Why Does It Matter?

Youth programs offer critical opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and connect. However, program quality can vary widely, impacting how effectively programs can meet the needs of the youth they serve. High-quality programs grounded in strong relationships, engaging activities, and supportive environments contribute to positive outcomes, such as improved social skills, increased confidence, and better academic performance.

“Program quality is really about the experiences and interactions we have with young people and how intentional we are in creating spaces where they feel connected and can be their whole selves,” explains Sheely Mauck, Director of Equitable Quality Improvement Systems at the Forum for Youth Investment’s Weikart Center. “When you emphasize the experience and process, you often get better outcomes.”

Through Commit to Quality, we want to raise awareness of these foundational elements and encourage youth organizations, program leaders, and supporters to continue prioritizing program quality as an essential aspect of youth development.

Equity at the Heart of Quality Improvement

Quality improvement isn’t just about setting standards; it’s about ensuring that every young person feels seen, valued, and supported in ways that reflect their diverse backgrounds, identities, and experiences. As we move through the Commit to Quality campaign, we’ll keep equity front and center, recognizing that true quality is accessible and meaningful for all.

“Equity is central to our quality improvement approach,” says Mauck. “We aim to create systems that don’t just improve on paper but are meaningful and accessible to every young person, regardless of their background. Systems produce what they’re designed to produce, so if we’re committed to equitable outcomes, we have to design for equity at every step.”

What’s Coming Up

Each week, we’ll publish themed content on topics like:

• Defining and Measuring Quality
• Advancing Equity in Quality Improvement
• Practical Tips and Tools for Leaders
• Building Capacity for Continuous Improvement

How You Can Commit to Quality

We invite youth organizations, funders, and advocates to join us in our commitment to quality. Whether through attending training workshops, adopting quality improvement practices, or simply following along with our weekly updates, your engagement matters. Together, we can create environments where young people feel safe and supported to learn and lead.

“Ultimately, we hold a core belief that every young person has strengths and potential, and quality means creating the spaces and conditions for that potential to be discovered and unleashed,” Mauck emphasizes.

Stay tuned to our website and social media channels over the next two months to learn about, explore, and consider how quality improvement can strengthen your organization’s impact. We’ll be releasing a social media kit soon, designed for program leaders to share their own stories and help amplify this message. Let’s commit to quality together for the youth we serve.