This 3-page resource offers a high-level overview of “who, what and why” of youth development.
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Youth programs reinforce the academic, social-emotional, and prevention goals of many state and local agencies. They are part of an upstream, holistic approach to building and maintaining support systems that invest early in the strengths of children and young people. However, there is no state infrastructure currently supporting the youth development field and its workforce. And both public/private funding streams are limited. Like any critical system, youth development requires resources, reliable data, and dedicated funding to continue delivering high-quality, equitable programming for Washington’s youth.