The proposed FY 2026 federal budget could eliminate funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers — the only federal support dedicated to afterschool and summer learning programs serving 1.4 million young people. Without this funding, 1 in 5 students could lose access to critical academic enrichment and safe, supportive spaces beyond the school day.

Youth work is more than a job—it’s a calling rooted in relationships, authenticity, and a deep commitment to young people’s success. In this blog, we reflect on insights from the Commit to Quality symposium, highlighting powerful lessons from youth development leaders across the country. From centering staff relationships and elevating youth voice to building system-wide support for continuous improvement, the message is clear: quality in out-of-school time programs starts with people.

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.

As the demand for education and skills grows, states are redesigning policies to meet the realities of a shifting workforce landscape. In response, the BEST Youth Initiative is fostering cross-system collaboration to create pathways for young people to thrive.

In Part 1 of our new blog series, discover how the BEST Youth Initiative is aligning with governors’ workforce agendas and why workforce readiness is a priority across 34 states.

Part 2 will highlight the innovative approaches each participating state is taking.

State systems are rising to the challenge of addressing the growing youth mental health crisis in the wake of the pandemic. In this blog, we take a closer look at how states in our BEST Youth Initiative are responding to post-pandemic mental health trends. Through innovative strategies and cross-sector partnerships, these states are driving efforts to support youth well-being and pave the way for a brighter, healthier future.

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.