October 2026 newsletter
2027 Annual Forum: Dare to Dream
April 12-14, 2027 | Cleveland, OH
Register Today
Early-bird registration and breakout session applications are now open for NYEC’s 2027 Annual Forum, Dare to Dream, where we will explore the ideas, innovations, and partnerships that are shaping the future of youth workforce development, from creative approaches to funding and whole-person support to community partnerships, policy and advocacy, purpose-driven opportunities, and year-round pathways to employment.
Take advantage of early-bird pricing and register today!
Call for Proposals Open
Have a practice, partnership, or idea that’s expanding opportunity for young people in your community? Share it with peers from across the country at the Annual Forum by submitting a breakout session proposal by November 17, 2026!
Don’t miss this opportunity to share and connect with a national network!
What’s Happening at NYEC
Turning Collaboration into Action: Building Systems That Serve Young People
Across the country, communities are bringing together organizations, leaders, and stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing young people. Considerable time and effort have been invested in building relationships, identifying needs, and coordinating resources. Yet, a common challenge continues to emerge in our conversations with communities: how do we move from collaboration to action?
While meetings and planning are essential to building a shared understanding, they do not always lead to meaningful change. Perhaps the more important question is whether our collective efforts are improving the conditions that shape young people’s opportunities and outcomes. After all, the systems we build and maintain are tools intended to serve people, not structures that exist for their own sake. Their effectiveness should be measured by how well they respond to the needs of young people, remove barriers, and create pathways to opportunity. This requires communities to move beyond identifying challenges toward establishing shared goals, prioritizing actions, and determining what must change within the systems themselves to achieve better outcomes.
Moving from collaboration to action requires intentional coordination, clearly defined responsibilities, and accountability. Communities must ask whether partners are working toward the same outcomes, whether shared priorities have been translated into specific actions, and who is responsible for maintaining momentum. A lead organization or coordinating entity can help organize the work, align resources, monitor progress, and ensure that commitments lead to implementation.
However, coordination alone is not the measure of success. The true test is whether these efforts change how systems function and improve the experiences and opportunities available to young people. NYEC’s Youth Champion Communities (YCC) initiative supports communities in making this transition by establishing the structures, processes, and accountability needed to turn shared priorities into coordinated action. Ultimately, collaboration should not be viewed as the destination, but as a means of creating systems that work better for the young people they are intended to serve.
New Peer Learning Communities Coming This Fall
NYEC is expanding its members-only peer learning communities with two new groups, one focused on supporting youth with disabilities and one for those serving justice-impacted youth. Sign up or learn more about all our peer learning communities using the link below! Not a member? Explore membership here.
Peer learning info and sign up →
Employers Share Strategies to Recruit and Grow Young Talent
Employers facing critical talent shortages and an aging workforce recognize the importance of investing in young talent to build their future workforce and develop tomorrow’s leaders. These challenges shaped “Recruiting Untapped Talent,” part of NYEC’s Youth Champion Employer Roundtable Series, where employers shared practical strategies, learned from peers, and identified support needed to strengthen young adult hiring.
Cohosted by Scott Beeney of Veolia North America and Dr. Carrie Curtis, Primary and Secondary Education Lead for the U.S. Navy’s Submarine Industrial Base Program Office, the discussion highlighted practical ways to connect young people with careers. Veolia shared its approach to classroom partnerships, site visits, and hands-on projects. Dr. Curtis emphasized starting career exposure early and engaging teachers, parents, and school leaders, while raising questions about how to measure long-term impact. Her words captured the spirit of the exchange: “I’m just really excited to hear what works and what doesn’t and share all of that amongst all of us.”
The National Apartment Association Education Institute described mentoring, mock interviews, and talent showcases that connect training participants with employers. Hyatt emphasized leadership commitment and participant success stories as drivers of engagement in its RiseHY program. Participants also shared how young talent brings fresh perspectives and energizes experienced employees.
While these efforts are moving in a positive direction, employers acknowledged that challenges remain, including building awareness of career pathways, addressing transportation, childcare, and other barriers that affect young adults’ ability to participate and succeed. NYEC and its employer partners continue to share lessons, explore innovative solutions, and strengthen partnerships so more young people can access the many opportunities available and receive the support needed for long-term success.
Employers interested in sharing practices, learning from peers, and expanding opportunities for young talent are invited to contact Marie Davis, NYEC Strategic Advisor, at marie.davis@nyec.org for more information about the Employer Roundtable Series and how to sign up.
There’s Still Time to Join the Fall YDP Apprenticeship Cohort
NYEC’s second Youth Development Practitioner Apprenticeship cohort will now begin in mid-November, giving employers more time to recruit and prepare apprentices. Learn how your organization can grow its youth development workforce!
Learn more →
Sign up for the fall cohort →
Policy Spotlight: DC Summit Attendees Flood Capitol Hill
Thank you to all of our members and partners who joined us in Washington, DC for NYEC’s Annual DC Summit!
Nearly 100 advocates for youth and young adults met with 74 Congressional offices, calling for the federal supports young people need to succeed, highlighting how they are leading youth development in their communities, and building relationships with the offices that represent them. We also had unbelievable speakers, panelists, and workshops focused on youth economic mobility, youth voice, civic engagement, storytelling, employer engagement, and more!
As we reflect on this amazing event, we ask attendees to share what went well and where there’s room for growth so we can improve in the years to come.
Share your feedback here →
Read the full DC Summit Reflection→
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