Its Youth Voice Week!

Youth Voice Week: April 13–17, 2026
Young people are changemakers. Join us in amplifying youth voices and celebrating how afterschool and summer programs empower young people to take action on issues they care about.

Throughout the week of April 13–17, we’re encouraging programs, organizations, and young people to share content that showcases youth-led advocacy, community projects, and civic action, highlighting how young people in your program are creating change.

Why Youth Voice Matters
Afterschool and summer programs provide unique spaces where young people can explore issues affecting their communities, develop leadership skills, and take meaningful action. When we center youth voice, we don’t just prepare young people for future civic participation—we recognize them as leaders and problem-solvers right now.

Youth Voice Week is an opportunity to showcase the powerful work happening in programs across the country and demonstrate why investments in afterschool and summer learning matter.

Ways to Participate
Share Youth-Led Projects: Highlight initiatives where young people in your program have identified community issues and taken action—whether through advocacy campaigns, service projects, policy research, or creative expression.

Amplify Youth Perspectives: Feature young people’s voices directly through videos, interviews, written reflections, or social media takeovers. Let them share what issues matter to them and how your program has supported their leadership.

Use #YouthVoiceWeek: Tag your posts with #YouthVoiceWeek to connect with a national movement celebrating youth-driven change.

See more from CYESS on Youth Voice Week