The Challenge and the Opportunity

Across the nation, young people—particularly those impacted by systemic injustice—are navigating institutions rooted in oppression. Whether it’s probation, juvenile detention, or adult parole, these systems often reinforce cycles of harm rather than interrupt them. The collateral consequences are profound: from the school-to-prison pipeline and fractured families to the financial burdens of court fees and supervision costs.

To disrupt these cycles, we must reimagine support systems by us and for us—building pathways that empower instead of punish, and that prioritize healing, equity, and opportunity. That’s why the Young Leaders Network launched its Co-Design + Mentorship Program: a bold, community-centered initiative led by young people with lived experience.

This program isn't just about mentorship—it's about transformation. It centers the leadership of young changemakers to co-create a model rooted in truth, trust, and collective power.