Welcome to AYPF’s blog!

Welcome to the first post of the AYPF blog, Forum For Thought. Our blog’s mission is to provide timely, insightful, and engaging dispatches from the intersection of youth policy, practice, and research. Since its founding in 1993, AYPF has established itself as a leader in bringing diverse perspectives to the forefront of the youth policy discussion. We aim to continue and build upon this tradition.

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One of AYPF’s strengths has also been our talent for provoking rigorous thought and the framing of cutting-edge issues. From our far-reaching webinars to our unique study tours and Congressional forums, AYPF has provided unparalleled access to the latest research, trends, and leading voices on youth policy. Forum for Thought will endeavor to highlight insightful research, provide context, and to explore what diverse groups and stakeholders can do to come together to improve life for our disadvantaged and sometimes overlooked young people.

Our foray into the blogosphere comes at an emotional time for AYPF. Recently, we said goodbye to our founder, Samuel Halperin. As an iconic leader and tenacious advocate for America’s youth, Sam’s talent was not only in bringing people together, but to spur concrete action.

Sam once remarked at the end of a staff meeting that AYPF “has a lot to say.” Forum for Thought will do our best to channel his energy and talents, and to enhance our voice and the voice for our young people. Check back with us. As we grow and evolve, our goal is to provide relevant and thought-provoking content, and we hope that you add your voice.

George Knowles is the Web Communications Associate for the American Youth Policy Forum.

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The American Youth Policy Forum (AYPF), a nonprofit, nonpartisan professional development organization based in Washington, DC, provides learning opportunities for policy leaders, practitioners, and researchers working on youth and education issues at the national, state, and local levels. AYPF events and publications are made possible by contributions from philanthropic foundations. For a complete list, click here.