Listen to AYPF’s New Podcast!
Credible messengers are mentors whose lived experiences serve as a credential in their work to provide guidance, support, and encouragement to young people facing similar challenges.
Learn more about credible messengers from the experts, including what credible messengers are and aren’t, and how they are working—and should be utilized—to serve young people navigating the youth legal system, child welfare system, K-12 schools, or college.
The podcast has been led by the creativity, passion, and lived expertise of AYPF Youth Policy Consultants!
Join us for an insightful conversation!
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.
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.
Do you work or volunteer with youth? Take this survey today! You’ll contribute to a national effort to explore, define, and elevate the youth fields workforce and their essential work with youth. If we know more, we can do more to support the youth fields workforce to thrive!
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.
Upcoming Events
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
Addressing Student Mental Health: Strategies for Teachers
November 9, 2022Rachael describes how teachers and policymakers can address the youth mental health crisis.
Access to Higher Education: Supports for Homeless and Foster Youth
August 10, 2022Rachelle discusses the need for supporting access to higher education for homeless and foster youth, and offers possible solutions.
Make No Choice Without Youth Voice
July 8, 2022Kameryn discusses youth engagement--her experience, research on the topic, and AYPF's strategy.
