July Newsletter
What’s Happening at NYEC: JULY 2026
Join Us for the 2026 D.C. Summit!
NYEC is excited to host its fourth annual convening in Washington, D.C., September 21st – 23rd, where community leaders and young people will participate in learning activities and meet with legislators to discuss how best to support young people’s economic mobility and overall well-being.
Formerly known as Youth Days in Washington, D.C., this reimagined summit equips young people and workforce leaders to engage with policymakers, share their experiences, and explore strategies that expand opportunity for youth.
The 2026 theme, Bridging Practice to Policy, reflects NYEC’s belief that those closest to the work are best positioned to shape effective solutions for young people and their communities.
Momentum Builds for Youth Champion Communities
Communities across the country are stepping up to champion better outcomes for young people. The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) has concluded the application phase for the next cohort of its Youth Champion Communities initiative after receiving an impressive pool of high-quality applications from communities across the country. The high level of interest reflects a broad commitment to strengthening local systems that support young people advancing community-driven solutions. NYEC is currently reviewing applications and will soon notify selected communities as the next cohort is finalized.
As NYEC prepares to launch a new cycle of the initiative, it looks forward to partnering with community leaders to address critical local challenges through collaborative strategic planning. Participating communities will work together to develop comprehensive resource maps, identify strengths and gaps within their youth-serving ecosystems, and create actionable strategic plans designed to improve outcomes for young people. Through this work, NYEC and its community partners are building more coordinated, equitable, and responsive communities that ensure all young people have access to the opportunities and supports they need to thrive.
Boston Initiative Launches with Strong Cross-Sector Engagement
NYEC officially launched its Youth Housing and Employment Strategic Planning Initiative in Boston with a kickoff session in late June, bringing together over two dozen leaders from the education, housing, and workforce sectors. The strong cross-sector participation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening systems that support young people and improving outcomes through collaboration.
The kickoff session introduced partners to the initiative’s goals, timeline, and collaborative planning process, laying the foundation for the work ahead. Over the next two years, through June 2028, partners will conduct a comprehensive assessment of Boston’s youth housing and employment ecosystem, develop a community asset map identifying existing resources and services, and create a strategic plan to strengthen coordination, address service gaps, and expand opportunities for youth.
With the initiative now entering its assessment phase, partners will begin gathering data, mapping community assets, and identifying opportunities to build a more connected and responsive support system for young people across Boston.
NYEC thanks our community partners in the city for their commitment and collaboration in launching this important work. We look forward to continuing this partnership as the initiative moves into its next phase and we work together to strengthen systems and expand opportunities for young people.
Policy Spotlight
President Trump Nominates Keith Sonderling for Secretary of Labor
President Trump announced the nomination of Keith Sonderling to serve as the permanent U.S. Secretary of Labor. Sonderling has been serving as Acting Secretary since April and previously held leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Labor and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Senate labor committee advanced Keith Sonderling’s nomination to lead the U.S. Department of Labor.
NYEC Joins Veolia North America’s Workforce Development Summit
NYEC was honored to participate in Veolia North America’s second annual Workforce Development Summit, where leaders from across the company came together to explore innovative strategies for building a resilient workforce. During the summit, NYEC shared how employer partnerships, community collaboration, and sustainable talent pipelines can expand career opportunities for young adults while helping employers address critical workforce needs. We are grateful to Veolia for its leadership and look forward to continuing our partnership to create stronger workforce ecosystems and meaningful career pathways for the next generation.
Free Pre-Apprenticeship Resources Through NYEC’s Partnership With FHI 360
No-cost, flexible curricula you can drop into the programs you already run, or programs you’re currently designing.
NYEC and FHI 360 offer two free pre-apprenticeship curricula that introduce young people to in-demand careers and open pathways to Registered Apprenticeships. The Youth Development Practitioner (YDP) curriculum (42 hours) prepares learners ages 16–24 for careers supporting youth, while Empowering Futures: Mental Health curriculum (40 hours) builds foundational skills for behavioral health careers like Community Health Worker and Peer Support Specialist.
Both are beginner-friendly, adaptable to your schedule and setting, and built to integrate into summer youth employment programs, career exploration tracks, and other youth-serving programming; there’s no need to build from scratch.
Complete our interest form to receive more information! Pre-apprenticeship & Apprenticeship Interest Form →
For organizations interested in registered apprenticeship opportunities that can follow the completion of pre-apprenticeship trainings, NYEC is recruiting for its October apprenticeship cohort! Learn more HERE.