In 2021, Alexandria released its second Children and Youth Community Plan (CYCP), a roadmap for improving outcomes for all children and youth. The CYCP Report Cards help us track our progress and stay accountable to our community.

Published monthly by the City’s Department of Community and Human Services, each Report Card highlights:

• A key result we are working toward
• Current data and trends
• Actions underway to improve outcomes
• Community partners involved
• Performance measures that show impact

Report Cards also celebrate youth and caring adults who are helping “turn the curve” in Alexandria.

We use the Report Cards to:

• Increase transparency and accountability
• Highlight priority issues and progress
• Share data in clear, accessible ways
• Lift up youth-serving programs and partnerships

Our goal is to give community members, policymakers, and partners a clear picture of youth well-being and how we can work together to improve it.

Data come from public sources such as the U.S. Census, Virginia Department of Health, Youth Risk Behavior Survey, ACPS Scorecard, Alexandria Resident Survey, and Search Institute surveys, as well as performance data from more than 70 local youth-serving organizations.

Whenever possible, data are disaggregated to identify racial, economic, and social disparities so we can focus our efforts where they are most needed.

Every year, seniors at Alexandria City High School participate in Civic Action Projects, a project-based learning program in which civics and government students identify an issue that matters to them, connect it to public policy, and take “civic actions” to influence change. Through a partnership between the City of Alexandria and ACPS educators, scholars collaborate with City staff to deepen their educational experience and strengthen their role as civic leaders.

Beginning in 2025, students whose projects focused on issues connected to the Children and Youth Community Plan (CYCP) were invited to create their own Report Cards. These student-made Report Cards reflect youth perspectives on how CYCP-related issues impact them, while also offering solutions worth exploring to advance public policy in Alexandria.

These student-led efforts expand our understanding of children’s and youth’s experiences. They highlight the importance of listening to young voices and how those voices can help shape meaningful, community-driven change. Please consider their recommendations when shaping youth programs, policies, or funding decisions and share with your colleagues, partners, networks, and other decision-makers!

• 2025 Youth Needs Assessment
• CYCP 2025 Strategic Map
• Who Owns How Much of the CYCP?