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.
Discover how everyday moments with young people shape a deeper sense of purpose in youth work, backed by research and field-based insight.
After experiencing local legislation firsthand at the Louisiana State Capitol, OYCL Samarah Bentley shares what she learned and how it’s shaping her journey to advocate at the national level.
The Forum for Youth Investment welcomes Primo Lasana as our inaugural Chief Impact Officer. A mission-driven executive with more than 15 years of experience, Primo brings deep expertise in systems leadership, partnership-building, and translating strategy into meaningful impact across the youth-serving field.
What happens when lived experience meets policy advocacy? Russell Lang reflects on speaking in D.C. and why youth voice must be central to systems change.
This summer, 14 inspiring young leaders from across the country participated in the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison (OYCL) Program, a paid advocacy fellowship led by the Forum for Youth Investment. Over the course of three months, they built community, developed their advocacy skills, and traveled to Washington, D.C., where they met with members of Congress to share their stories and push for stronger federal investments in Opportunity Youth and the causes they are passionate about.
Precious Barry shares her journey from Dellwood and St. Louis to Washington, D.C., raising her voice on Capitol Hill through the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison Program to ensure Saint Louis youth are represented in national policy conversations.