Youth development is essential to the well-being and success of young people, providing them with the relationships, environments, and opportunities they need to thrive. Out-of-school time (OST) programs are a powerful part of this ecosystem — serving as a bridge between school, home, and community. These programs offer safe, supportive spaces for children and youth to grow socially, emotionally, and academically.

To help guide the next era of youth development, the National Academies recently released The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs — a consensus report that charts the growth, complexity, and promise of the field, while offering concrete recommendations to expand access and impact.

Now, it’s time to move from vision to action.

The National Academies’ Board on Children, Youth, and Families and the Societal Experts Action Network will co-host an implementation summit designed to turn insights into strategies. This action-oriented gathering will spotlight the roles of state and local leaders, intermediaries, and key youth development actors. Through expert panels, state and local success stories, and collaborative tabletop discussions, participants will explore how to build stronger systems, scale what works, and ensure that all young people have access to high-quality OST opportunities.

This summit will convene in the Great Hall.