Forum for Youth Investment

At Alexandria Beyond the Classroom (ALX Beyond), a commitment to program quality is at the heart of their mission to support youth development. We recently connected with Erica Mack, Program Quality Manager, to learn how ALX Beyond is building its commitment to quality as a network representing 100+ youth-serving organizations in Alexandria, Virginia. Discover how creating a shared vision for quality is shaping their approach: https://lnkd.in/gc22g8in #CommitToQuality

Measuring quality in youth programs is more than a step—it’s about creating environments where young people thrive. Learn how intentional measurement drives quality and impact: https://lnkd.in/gBVaMgzG #CommitToQuality #YouthDevelopment #ProgramQuality [Image description: "'A commitment to quality is a commitment to every young person’s growth and success, creating spaces where they feel seen, supported, and ready to positively contribute to the world.' Tiffany M. Walker." The quote is in green font and sits on a tan background with an image of Tiffany.]

It took a second to load… but the Forum’s 2024 Wrapped is here! Take a look back at the top blogs and publications that made waves with our community this year: https://lnkd.in/g9qRSm3Y Thank you all for being a vital part of our work in 2024. Here’s to another year of making a difference for young people! #SpotifyWrapped #2024Wrapped #CommitToQuality

What inspires you to prioritize quality in your work? Share why you #CommitToQuality!

This Thanksgiving, we’re holding space for the many emotions the holiday season can bring. Whether it’s the absence of a loved one, the tensions of navigating different beliefs, or the effort to create joy for others, remember you are allowed to feel it all—grateful and sad, excited and exhausted. Lean into the ‘both/and’ and give yourself the grace to feel everything you need this week and throughout the season. As we embrace this complexity, we invite you to explore the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Address, a traditional expression of thanks from the Haudenosaunee people. It offers a powerful perspective on interconnectedness and gratitude for the natural world, enriching our understanding of what it means to give thanks. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of youth programs, leaders, and communities who tirelessly support young people. Thank you for your commitment to quality as we work together to create opportunities for all young people to thrive.

That’s a wrap on the latest Youth Work Methods Training of Trainers (TOT) hosted by the Forum’s Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality!   Over three impactful days, participants from across the country explored tools and strategies grounded in more than 50 years of research and practice in positive youth development. These dedicated leaders are now prepared to train others, equipping point-of-service staff with practical, actionable skills to improve program quality. Check out some highlights from the week—so much energy, insight, and inspiration packed in throughout. #CommitToQuality #YouthDevelopment #TrainingLeaders #ProgramQuality #ProfessionalDevelopment #YouthWork

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 L. McCann, Vice President of State Policy at the Forum, and Heather Hahn and Laura Wagner from Urban Institute, we explore how a positive youth development approach can make safety net programs more accessible and effective for youth. Read "Building Better Safety Net Programs through Positive Youth Development": https://lnkd.in/gMp7Kduf

“Ultimately, we hold a core belief that every young person has strengths and potential, and quality means creating the spaces and conditions for that potential to be discovered and unleashed.” - Sheely Mauck, Director of Equitable Quality Improvement Systems This statement reflects the heart of our work — creating environments where young people feel seen, supported, and valued. Follow along as we explore what quality means in practice and celebrate stories of positive youth development through #CommitToQuality.

Don’t miss today’s "Blending and Braiding" webinar, beginning at 1:00 p.m. ET! Co-hosted by the U.S. Department of Education and the White House, this session dives into Strategies for Coordinating Services Across State and Local Agencies and Partners. Hear from national, state, and local experts, including Meghan L. McCann, Vice President of State Policy at the Forum, on how children’s and youth cabinets can streamline funding to better support the whole child. Register: https://ow.ly/eYOL50U6q3r

How do we create youth programs that truly meet the needs of every young person? Today, we’re excited to launch our #CommitToQuality campaign to spotlight the inspiring ways program quality is being elevated across the youth development field. To get started, we spoke with Sheely Mauck, Director of Equitable Quality Improvement Systems, to discuss why program quality matters and what it looks like in practice: https://lnkd.in/gG_vpdnG Stay tuned over the next few months as we share insights, stories, and resources to help programs commit to quality.