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Youth in Government Day highlights mental-health, access to libraries and peer-led prevention in Advisory Commission on Youth report
Summary
Youth in Government Day presenters and the Advisory Commission on Youth told the board the county's youth report shows persistent anxiety among students, mental-health concerns, perceived drug availability and opportunities to expand library and community-center hours and programming; ACOY announced a mini-grant program for youth projects.
Loudoun County—s Advisory Commission on Youth presented its 2025 report during Youth in Government Day on April 1, telling the Board of Supervisors the county—s young residents report continuing anxiety, concerns about drug availability, and uneven access to youth programming and safe gathering spaces.
Dr. Jeff Goldman, chair of the advisory commission, said the report is data-driven and highlighted three observed post-COVID changes described by educators and nonprofit partners: lower levels of curiosity and engagement among younger youth, declines in social and emotional skills and increased academic apathy and skill loss. Mike Rellis of ACOY summarized key findings: Loudoun youth have notable accomplishments, but surveys in 2022 and 2024 repeatedly show high levels of anxiety related to schoolwork and concerns about drug availability.
The commission—s spatial analysis showed that community centers and libraries are generally closer to youth than regional parks, but neighborhood parks were the single most-likely facility within a one-mile radius. ACOY recommended expanding hours, teen programming and removing entry fees for youth at recreation centers where feasible. The commission also announced a new mini-grant program for 2025 to fund student-led projects.
Board members and staff discussed opportunities to expand library and community-center hours, better teen programming and potential partnerships with nonprofit groups for teen mental-health and safe-space programming. County staff said they are evaluating options, including integrating teen space within community centers and aligning program templates across facilities. ACOY and Parks and Recreation staff said they are working on strategies to increase survey response rates and youth engagement, including events and peer outreach.
The board received the report and invited student supervisors and community members to continue questions after the presentations. ACOY and PRCS staff said they would collaborate with the board on implementing recommended program and outreach changes.
