Youth & Young Adults

Adolescence—which begins in puberty and lasts through the mid-20s—is a critical period of development during which young people experience a variety of biological, cognitive, psychological, and social changes. During this period of learning and identity-formation, youth and young adults need access to opportunities—within schools, communities, and workplaces—and supportive relationships to help them learn and grow. Unfortunately, many young people do not have access to these resources. This, in turn, creates disparities in health, social and emotional wellness, employment and economic well-being, and academic achievement.   

Child Trends’ work aims to strengthen the programs, systems, and policies that impact youth and their families to reduce disparities and promote more equitable outcomes. The cornerstone philosophy of our work is positive youth development (PYD), an approach that is strengths-based, centers youth voice, engages the broader community, and empowers youth to create meaningful change.  

Reflecting the wide range of contexts that shape young people’s development, our research spans many topics, including relationships, employment and economic mobility, youth empowerment, juvenile justice system transformation, and out-of-school time and other youth development programming. 

Our work has strengthened an array of services and programs, increased public awareness of youth issues, and shaped policies that affect youth and young adults. For example: