True systems change happens when those most impacted are not just invited to the table, but actively shaping the conversation. Through the BEST Youth Initiative, People with Lived Experience are working alongside state leaders to reimagine youth-serving systems—ensuring that solutions are grounded in their realities and designed to drive equity, sustainability, and transformative change.

A recap of the year's top blogs and publications.

What does it take to create environments where young people truly thrive? While passion and intention lay the foundation, they alone aren’t enough. Measuring quality provides the insights programs need to ensure meaningful, lasting impact.

Access to food, housing, and medical care is critical for young people's development. Yet, many public benefits programs are not designed with their unique needs in mind. In a blog co-authored by Meghan McCann, Vice President of State Policy at the Forum, and Heather Hahn and Laura Wagner from the Urban Institute, we explore how a positive youth development approach can make safety net programs more accessible and effective for youth.