Our Work

The California Opportunity Youth Network (COYN) is a practice-to-policy network whose mission is to transform systems, policies, investments, and narratives to ensure all youth and young adults in California, ages 16-24, have the opportunity to flourish in adulthood. COYN was born in 2014 out of the Aspen Institute’s Opportunity Youth Forum, a national network of urban, rural, and tribal communities seeking to improve education and employment pathways for young people ages 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work. The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions sought to create a national model for improving outcomes for Opportunity Youth* by investing in local collaboratives, rather than boutique programs, to develop community-driven and systemic solutions.

We recognize the power of youth voices in shaping the policies and programs that directly impact their lives. Through expanding our network, deepening our partnerships, and centering youth leadership, we are committed to a future where no young person is left behind.