Why Youth Development?
  • In Sacramento County, fewer than 66% of students graduate from high school.
  • 4,300 area youth are currently in foster care. 65% of them will age out of foster care with no place to live.
  • Only 32% of Sacramento County 11th graders (who took the California Healthy Kids Survey) report caring relationships in school settings.
  • Only 15% of 11th graders report meaningful opportunities to participate.
Research shows that youth who have support and opportunities that include: caring relationships, safe places, opportunities to participate and give back to their community, and have challenging and engaging skill building opportunities are more likely to thrive. Not all young people have equal access to these supports for healthy development.