With almost surgical precision that flattens the hierarchical separation between policy professionals and non-experts, there is a resource that details tested techniques for any organization dedicated to authentic collaboration with those directly impacted by its priorities and policies.
Cultivating Possibilities was released in early 2025 to document the “first-of-its-kind exchange” at the 2024 White House Youth Policy Summit. The U.S. Department of Education took the lead role with five other federal agencies. Given that the Trump Administration has targeted the Department of Education for elimination, one might assume this blueprint is now irrelevant. Despite ongoing turmoil also at the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Labor, and other agencies, this Summit was far more than a one-off photo-op. Ongoing follow-up may be at a standstill, but indelible changes have happened. The protocols and mindsets about the value of authentic engagement and how to partner with young people reflect an emerging trend at the state and local levels.
Think Nationally, Act Locally
If serious shared decision-making can happen in the vast federal bureaucracy, certainly state, county, and city organizations can adopt these fundamental principles and practices. Every city government and its infrastructure of agencies and commissions can use this framework. The same applies to community-based organizations from small neighborhood groups to large nonprofits.
For over 15 years, Hikma Sherka has been on the receiving end of token gestures where pizza and gift cards are how adults say thanks to young people who share their time and talents. In her recent position as Youth Engagement Coordinator in the Office of Secretary Dr. Miguel Cardona, Hikma told me how surprised she was by genuine “co-building” among the 7-member planning team and 270 Summit participants.
Here are some of the very intentional youth engagement methods that stand out. This uplifting, colorful 45-page report covers the pre-planning stage through concrete commitments as well as implementation.
Principles & Procedures
1. TAREGETED REPRESENTATION. Invite people, primarily between the ages of 16-24, who have lived experiences of government systems that have not worked for them. Seeking young people who will share their firsthand grievances is usually not a top priority.
2. RELIANCE ON COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS. Instead of an open call for individual applicants, Youthprise, Grip Tape and many other nonprofits across the country were key to recruitment. These youth-serving organizations know their constituencies.
3. PRE-PLANNING PREP. Youth organizations held online gatherings for youth participants to explain jargon, agency jurisdictions, youth development benchmarks and other Summit goals. These orientation sessions are particularly important for those who may not have “traditional leadership experience.”
4. CO-ARCHITECTS FROM THE GET-GO. Usually, adults dominate the design phase and ask a couple of young people to give feedback on a preliminary plan. Instead, an external team had nearly equal representation from the start, with four young people and three adults.
5. FREQUENT MEETINGS. The planning team met weekly—every Friday afternoon for five months—ensuring an accelerated decision-making process that also helps to get on the same page..
6. REGULAR ACCESS TO LEADERSHIP TEAM. Senior White House staff and representatives from the six agencies met monthly with the planning team. Often, there is limited substantive interaction between high level professionals and those involved with a youth project.
7. COMPENSATION. The planning team was paid for their time, and the 90 youth participants at the Summit received a “generous per diem” which covered travel expenses (including for adult allies if requested), and a clothing allowance. What to wear at official events like this can be stressful.
8. INCUBATOR SPACE. A separate area for young people allowed them to engage with their peers, grapple with issues, raise questions, and float ideas. This accommodation provides a safe zone, free from unintended judgment or intimidation by adults. A staffed wellness room was also available.
9. IMPOSTER PREVENTION. The importance and value of youth perspectives need to be emphasized repeatedly, but one subtle strategy deserves consideration. At this high-level Summit, nametags of participants and speakers did not include PhD, MSW or other honorifics. Avoiding business suits also was encouraged.
10. ATTENTION TO ATMOSPHERICS. An intergenerational team created a playlist. Poet laureates spoke throughout the Summit. A graphic facilitator captured concepts, language and priorities. An online meeting platform allowed all participants to communicate and network.
11. SETTING GROUND RULES. One Summit guideline stated that no federal policymakers could speak on stage without being in dialogue with young people. Co-facilitation can be uneven due to personality differences and public speaking experience, particularly between a 16-year-old learning about federal housing programs and a U.S. HUD expert. Plenty of time is necessary to build confidence and rapport.
12. CHANGING HABITS AND ATTITUDES. The planning team held a training for representatives of all participating agencies on the concept of adultism and power dynamics. Another unlearn and relearn training focused on communication and messaging including shifting the deficit-oriented narrative to youth experiences and capabilities
Working with young people in a different way strengthens the agencies, and moving forward, they’re going to continue to use their experience to shape their work. – Shital Shah, Senior Advisor of Strategic Partnerships at the Department of Education
Policy Outcomes
At the end of the Summit and six months later, here are a few of the actions taken but there are dozens more specific policies.
- All six agencies committed to stop using “vulnerable” and “at-risk” youth in policies and program materials. A list was created to retire other terms such as “delinquent” and “neglected” youth.
- U.S. Department of Labor pledged to hire young people in local, state, and federal government not only to share ideas but to raise awareness about the Workforce Recruitment Program.
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Labor Department launched a pilot program to 1) reconsider zero-tolerance policies that hinder employment and 2) create policies that provide substance abuse resources for young people.
Youth are experts in their own lived experiences. When we are given agency, wellbeing, belonging, purpose, meaning, and leadership within our federal government to express our voices, we are empoowered to bring these values to our peers as well. – Sriha Srinivasan
This Summit was underwritten by the Fund for Adolescent Science Translation (FAST) that includes the Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Bezos Family Foundation, The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, The Ford Foundation, The Hemera Foundation, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Hopelab, Pivotal Ventures, The Raikes Foundation, Spring Point Partners, The Seattle Foundation and The Stuart Foundation. FAST is dedicating $400K to support young leaders and organizations as a follow-up to this White House Summit.
The entire process of including young people at the federal level to this degree is unprecedented.
Please share your reactions and other examples of substantive and sustained youth engagement at the local, state, or federal level.
Resources
Cultivating Opportunities – Report about this “first-of-its-kind exchange” White House conference
Seek Common Ground – Nonprofit managing the Fund for Adolescent Science Translation (FAST) grants
Why Aren’t We Doing This! Collaborating with Minors in Major Ways – Shameless plug for the book I co-authored with 19-year-old Denise Webb
Credit: One of several graphic images generated at the Summit
Youth Infusion 