News

2025 Youth needs assessment

An important part of the grantmaking process is knowing the collective concerns of the age group that the YAC is representing. This is measured through a needs assessment survey that is conducted every three years and distributed by the YAC to the local school districts.

The latest needs assessment was offered to 7th through 12th graders in Spring 2025. Over 600 students responded to the survey, sharing their top concerns and positive influences in their daily lives and at school. The results indicated a grantmaking priority area of youth mental health and top concerns around academic stress and school atmosphere. The YAC will priortize grant funds that impact work done in those areas. In addition to top concerns, youth also shared the positive influences in their lives and ideas to increase those influences.