80% of young people’s waking hours are spent out of school. Young people’s futures are shaped by how this time is spent. From sports to STEM, youth organizing to paid internships, research shows that these experiences are essential for young people’s self-discovery, sense of belonging, social development, and intellectual achievement.

But many young people – those who could benefit the most – lack access to these experiences. Funding is inadequate, programs are fragmented, and quality varies. The resulting patchwork means there are large disparities in participation and resources are wasted.

In communities across the country, leaders are expanding their idea of when, where, and how young people learn and grow. They are recognizing that young people need more than traditional academics to thrive.

Resources