Checkout AYPF’s Youth Council Microsite!
Our youth-focused page features a variety of empowering resources for youth with experiences in the juvenile-justice and foster-care systems.

Youth Public Service Award–Apply Today!
Are you age 18-26 and making a difference in your own life and the lives of others through public service? You could win a cash award of $1,500 as well as share your voice at a special AYPF event. Apply for this award by June 6! And youth advocates, please share this information with youth in your network. Application Information: AYPF 2022 Samuel Halperin Award Application Information [PDF]
View AYPF’s New School Discipline Disparities Info Hub!
This information hub—divided into research, policy, and practice—outlines problems with school climate and highlights evidence-based solutions and alternatives to practices embedded in traditional school discipline systems that cause immeasurable harms.
A Message Regarding COVID-19
The AYPF Board and Staff, to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff, have moved from our Dupont Circle offices and will continue to work remotely, indefinitely. We will continue our efforts to be a trusted resource, and thank you in advance for supporting youth marginalized by systemic inequities. Visit our COVID-19 Response Information Hub for COVID-related resources, organized by youth population and supports for parents.
Sign Up for the AYPF E-Bulletin
Our monthly e-mails will keep you up-to-date on program resources, new policy, research findings and much more.
Upcoming Events
There are no events at this time. Please check back later.
Topic Areas
AYPF has wide-ranging expertise in a myriad of education, youth, and workforce policy topics. To gain a more comprehensive view of our focus areas, click on the following topics:
Photos Courtesy of Allison Shelley/The Verbatim Agency for American Education:
Images of Teachers and Students in Action
Youth Populations
AYPF focuses on improving policies and practices that impact youth marginalized by systemic inequities, ages 14 – 25. This includes youth who are in school and those who have left school and are not in education, training, or the workforce. To gain a more comprehensive view about the youth at the center of our work, click on a highlighted population.
Policies & Legislation
AYPF analyzes certain federal laws to understand how they affect youth marginalized by systemic inequities and how they enable or constrain states and communities in effectively and equitably serving these youth. As a nonpartisan organization, we do not lobby or take positions on legislation, but rather educate and inform policymakers about opportunities to improve youth policy and practice. Click on an icon to learn more about the policies and legislation at the center of our work.
The Latest from our Blog
Trauma-responsive Educational Practices: Providing Schools with Tools to Address the Youth Mental Health Crisis
April 11, 2022To address the crisis, Anusha provides resources to help schools with youth mental health.
For Native Education, Community Is the Answer
January 26, 2022Kameryn discusses challenges for Native youth in education systems and what to do about them.
Preventing Youth Suicide: Another Pandemic Imperative
November 2, 2021Stephanie, AYPF's executive director, examines youth suicide during the pandemic and how to prevent it.