Youth Issue Briefs share what Alexandria students said about the issues that matter most to them. Based on over 1,100 voices from 94 listening sessions, these briefs help shape policies, programs, and community action so all youth can thrive.

Over 1,100 middle and high school students from five Alexandria schools participated in the Youth Listening Sessions, representing diverse ages, identities, and languages. Sessions were co-led by 63 facilitators, including youth, city staff, and community members.

This page highlights how youth priorities differ by identity, age, and school. It shows which issues, like mental health, equity, or cost of living, matter most to different subgroups, revealing where experiences and needs vary across Alexandria’s young people.

During Listening Sessions with youth, they mentioned various resources that they wish all young people had.

Cost of Living emerged over 500 times during 94 listening sessions with Alexandria students. Students described financial stress as a central concern affecting their families and peers. Youth highlighted a strong desire for a community where no one has to struggle to meet their basic needs.

Transportation and Mobility emerged roughly 180 times during the 94 Listening Sessions. Youth imagine a transportation system that is safe, reliable, and equitable.

Alexandria students expressed a strong desire for school environments that are equitable, engaging, and responsive to their individual needs. It came up roughly 230 times during the 94 Listening Sessions. 

This subtheme, which emerged more than 455 times, reflects how students experience the physical conditions of their schools and the operational systems that structure the school day, including transportation, lunch services, scheduling, maintenance, and campus logistics.

This subtheme, emerging 175+ times during 94 Listening Sessions, explores how students experience school leadership, communication, and decision-making processes, as well as the policies and climate that shape daily life. Students express a clear desire to be seen, heard, and respected in school.

This subtheme, emerging over 300 times during 94 listening sessions, explores how Alexandria’s schools support students’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and ability to manage academic stress. 

This theme, emerging 325+ times, explores how youth experience their physical, emotional, and behavioral health. Students shared their perspectives on access to mental health care, opportunities for physical activity, prevention and intervention around substance use, and support for health.

This theme, emerging 195 times, captures youth aspirations for a more sustainable, climate-resilient Alexandria. Student feedback emphasizes the importance of ecological health, green infrastructure, and shared responsibility for sustainability.

This theme emerged 355+ times during listening sessions and reflects the importance young people place on connection, belonging, and access to supportive relationships and meaningful activities.

This theme captures young people’s lived experiences and concerns about safety across their schools, neighborhoods, and daily lives. Students shared over 675 times that safety is about protection from violence, being respected, included, and supported in their environments.

This theme, which emerged roughly 85 times during youth listening sessions, explores how students envision and experience support for their postsecondary goals, whether college, career, or other life paths. 

This theme emerged 30 times during youth listening sessions and explores how young people perceive their roles as changemakers and decision-makers in their schools and communities. 

Employment came up just over 30 times during listening sessions with youth. While students expressed enthusiasm about working and earning money, many also described limited access to job opportunities, especially for younger teens and those without prior experience.

This theme captures students’ desire for a government and school system that is fair, transparent, and accountable. Youth expressed over 245 times during listening sessions the need for institutions that take real action to address discrimination and systemic injustice.