October 6, 2026 · The Columbus Foundation
State of Youth Summit
As part of the State of Youth research, The Youth Partners Coalition brought together 48 community members to turn findings and youth perspectives into priorities for collective action.
Research, policy, and collective action
A shared conversation about lasting stability.
The Summit took place on October 6, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 p.m. at Davis Hall at The Columbus Foundation. Participants included city, county, and state representatives; service providers; Huckleberry House and Kaleidoscope Youth Center Youth Advisory Board members; corporate partners; and community funders. Together, they considered ten areas for collective action and selected three priorities for planning.
Source: 2026 State of Youth report, pp. 53–56 and 68–69; Summit invitation.
Selected at the State of Youth Summit
Three priorities for collective action.
Prevent housing instability before it starts
Connect prevention supports, identify risk earlier, and help families before a housing crisis.
Increase access to stable, affordable housing
Bring government, landlords, developers, and young people together to address housing costs and access.
Strengthen trusted relationships and support networks
Connect young people with trusted adults and reliable organizations, while respecting their control over those relationships.
Source: 2026 State of Youth report, pp. 53–56 and 68–69.
From the Summit
Revisit the afternoon in photographs.
Thank you to Emma Parker Photography for documenting the State of Youth Summit. Visit the gallery to view the photographs, download images, or order prints.