Join Tracy Medrano, a Ph.D. student in Learning Sciences and Policy and Forum intern, as she explores into the transformative impact of youth voice, engagement, and resilience. In this blog, she shares firsthand insights from her journey bridging academic research with practical applications in youth development and policy.

Five states have been chosen for the Building Ecosystems Statewide for Thriving (BEST) Youth Initiative. This exciting three-year initiative aims to improve opportunities and outcomes for youth ages 5-24 through collaborative, cross-system partnerships.

A new Collaboration Playbook from Afterschool Alliance showcases how states can effectively use Child Care and Development (CCDF) funds to support school-age childcare through strategic partnerships. The playbook highlights examples from several states using our Program Quality Assessment (PQA) and emphasizes positive youth development, equitable quality improvement systems, and the importance of collaborative stakeholder engagement to create high-quality, accessible childcare solutions.

Discover key policy recommendations and takeaways from our May 2024 congressional briefing on youth mental health.