Youth Policy Summit Report: Empowering the Voices of Young People
Other team members: Ryan Kober
The Youth Policy Summit, held in mid-2023, marked a pivotal moment in U.S. federal policymaking, prioritizing direct engagement with young people from across the nation. Led by the Biden-Harris Administration and supported by six federal agencies, this summit was designed to hear from youth—especially those for whom existing systems had not worked—and to explore how government agencies can better serve them in a holistic, interconnected way.
The summit featured over 270 participants, with youth and federal agency staff making up the majority. Young people aged 16-24 were the primary attendees, ensuring the focus remained on policies relevant to their experiences and needs. Through the event, policymakers aimed to create a space for open dialogue, encourage intergenerational exchange, and explore tangible solutions for addressing the issues most pressing to youth.
This report, designed by ThinkPlace, reflects on the outcomes of the summit, the commitments made by federal agencies, and the actions taken since the event to address the needs and aspirations of young people. The U.S. Department of Education played a central role in coordinating the summit, alongside the Funders for Adolescent Science Translation (FAST) Collaborative, whose resources were crucial in bringing the event to life.
The Youth Policy Summit is a vital step toward ensuring that young people are not only heard but are also empowered to shape policies that directly affect their futures. The summit underscored the importance of youth leadership and collaboration between federal agencies to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all young Americans.
Read it here: bit.ly/whitehouseyouthreport
Or you can view it on the U.S. Department of Education’s Flickr Account.