Aug. 12 is marked International Youth Day, a time when the world pauses to recognize the potential of young people as partners in building just, equitable and thriving communities. But in metro Detroit — we’re sounding the alarm.

As four of Detroit’s leading youth-serving organizations serving tens of thousands of students annually, we see the critical need for young people to have access to high-quality youth development, culture and life-skills programming. This is even more important for youth from historically under resourced and underserved communities. The Aspen Institute’s Forum for Community Solutions found that young people who participate in youth programs are more likely to re-engage in education or employment and less likely to migrate out of state. Youth development programs

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