The Forum for Youth Investment

01/08/2026

We’re continuing to accept applications for the Chief Growth Officer (CGO) role at the Forum for Youth Investment.

As the Forum builds on more than 25 years of impact, this senior leader will help drive our growth strategy across fundraising, earned revenue, marketing, and partnerships—expanding our reach and resources to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people.

📍 Remote
💼 Salary Range: $175,000–$190,000

Applications are due end of day Sunday, January 18.

Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/g8aAdH4v

11/14/2025

Last chance! Applications for the next Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison ( ) cohort close Sunday, November 16, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

If you work with young people ages 16-26—especially those interested in using their voice and lived experience to drive systems change—please share this opportunity with them.

The OYCL program offers meaningful leadership development, paid federal policy experience, and a national network of support.

Help a young leader you know apply before the deadline: forumfyi.org/oycl/apply

10/23/2025

Know a young changemaker? Their next step starts here.

Applications are open through November 15 for the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison (OYCL) Program—a paid fellowship for young people ages 16–26 with lived experience in systems like foster care, housing instability, justice involvement, or disconnection from school or work.

OYCLs don’t just learn about policy, they shape it. Through this transformative experience, they:
✔️ Build skills in advocacy and public policy
✔️ Meet with Members of Congress
✔️ Use their passion and lived experience to advocate for lasting change

This is where you come in:
🎥 Watch stories from past OYCLs: https://youtu.be/5KsHGwOF2Gs
🗓️ Join the info session on October 31: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9RID-bR9RPms_2e81cYeFA #/registration
📩 Share the application: forumfyi.org/oycl/apply

This program opens doors to policy tables, powerful networks, and personal growth. Thank you for helping spread the word!

What happens when young people are not just at the table—but leading the conversation?Meet the Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaisons: emerging leaders who...

10/07/2025

Time is running out!

Don’t miss your chance to join the Youth Work Methods Training-of-Trainers, a hands-on experience to grow your facilitation skills and lead quality workshops that strengthen youth programs.

📅 In person: November 5–7 | Washington, D.C.
💻 Online learning starts October 14

Gain practical tools. Build staff capacity. Lead with confidence.

Register by Friday, October 10: https://forumfyi.my.salesforce-sites.com/eventsfyi/event/home/november2025ywmethodstot

07/02/2025

Afterschool and summer programs across the country are at risk after the U.S. Department of Education delayed the release of funds, including nearly $1.4B for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

This unexpected freeze is already disrupting services, staffing, and planning—especially in communities that rely on these dollars to support historically underserved youth.

With so much uncertainty, you may be wondering: What funding is being withheld? What does this mean for programs and educators on the ground? And what can you do to help protect access to high-quality learning opportunities for young people?

🔗 Read the full breakdown + take action:

Learn what’s at stake during the education funding freeze, what this means for the youth-serving ecosystem, and how you can take action.

07/01/2025

Today, the federal government delayed the release of 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds to states, putting afterschool and out-of-school time programs at immediate risk for the 2025–2026 school year.

These programs are vital for young people, families, and communities—and they need our support now.

Use this quick tool from our friends at Afterschool Alliance to contact your governor and members of Congress. Take action now: https://win.newmode.net/afterschoolalliance/releasethefunds

06/05/2025

Turn insight into impact by becoming a certified External Assessor!

Join the online External Assessor Reliability Training (EART) happening July 14-18, 2025, and gain the skills to help adults strengthen their work with young people using proven practices from the SEL Program Quality Assessment (SEL PQA).

This trusted tool supports high-quality social and emotional learning in youth programs nationwide. Get certified and play a key role in improving adult practice and youth outcomes.

Register now:

06/03/2025

What’s changed, and what still matters, in how we support young people beyond the classroom?

A recent report from The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and The Wallace Foundation revisits the influential 2002 “Blue Book”—the first major report on youth development in out-of-school time (OST) settings—with updated insights on OST systems, access, and quality.

The report highlights contributions from the Forum's Weikart Center and a powerful chapter, “Just Quality,” by Alicia Wilson-Ahlstrom (Children’s Funding Project) and Dave Martineau (Forum for Youth Investment), originally published in It Takes an Ecosystem.

Explore what’s next for the field: https://wallacefoundation.org/report/future-youth-development-building-systems-and-strengthening-programs-building-systems-and

The report examines the effectiveness of out-of-school-time programs and identifies access and quality improvements.

06/02/2025

The Spring–Summer 2025 cohort of our Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison (OYCL) Program launched in May with 14 incredible young leaders.

OYCL is a 3-month paid fellowship for youth ages 16–26—created with and for Opportunity Youth.

✅ Connects youth directly with Congressional leaders
✅ Builds advocacy, policy, and professional skills
✅ Grows a national network of changemakers

Learn more: forumfyi.org/OYCL

05/29/2025

We’re excited to share some big news: the Forum for Youth Investment has appointed Phillip M. Robinson, Jr. as our new CEO!

Phil brings more than 15 years of experience leading education and youth-serving organizations like Reading Partners and City Year—and he currently serves in the Ohio House of Representatives. His passion for public service and his track record of impact make him a powerful, unifying leader for this moment.

Join us in welcoming Phil to the Forum family!

Read the full announcement here 👉 https://forumfyi.org/blog/welcoming-phillip-m-robinson-jr/

05/14/2025

Free event tomorrow in Minneapolis!

Free event for youth workers focused on workforce development! Join the The Forum for Youth Investment on May 15 in Minneapolis for a full-day summit with expert insights, practical tools, and networking.
Register by May 12: https://bit.ly/YWFDSummit


Co-hosted by: Sprockets, Right Track Saint Paul, and Minnesota Department of Education Career & College Success Division
Ignite Afterschool Minneapolis Youth Coordinating Board The Brooklyn Bridge Alliance for Youth BrookLynk

05/14/2025

Michigan-based youth development professionals — here’s an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow next week in Detroit!

The Youth Development Resource Center - Detroit is hosting its 2025 Spring Summit on May 21, 2025, bringing together practitioners to explore transformative skills and practical strategies that support both youth and staff.

We love seeing local partners build community and capacity across the state. Don’t miss it!

Register: https://detroitydrc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/detroitydrc/event.jsp?event=506

Register Now! Our 2025 Spring Summit is on May 21, 2025, and we can't wait to gather with our network! This summit will unite youth development practitioners with transformative skills and practical strategies to uplift youth and staff.

Registration link in our bio. You may also click HERE to register: https://bit.ly/4c8qeKg