Why is youth engagement so important?
The evidence all points in this direction: there’s more success for young people and the community if youth and young people have a voice in decisions that affect their own lives. Communities and state systems are helping young adults develop the skills they need to be able to speak for themselves and to advocate for themselves and others. Research from the University of Wisconsin, among other schools, shows that involving young people in their own transitions improves their sense of mastery, health, and compassion, and enhances the perception by adults of young people’s competence. Our early findings have shown that young adults actively involved in youth leadership boards are more likely to save at higher rates because of the support and encouragement of their peers.
