State Of Our Youth 2026 - A Report from A Better Chicago

What Chicago’s Youth Are Telling Us - And Why It Matters Now

Chicago’s young people are navigating more than just school. They are facing mental health challenges, community violence, and a growing sense of disconnection. A recent report from A Better Chicago highlights how urgent these realities have become across Chicagoland. Youth are asking for more support, more opportunity, and more spaces where they feel seen, heard, and prepared for what’s ahead. At Civic Leadership Foundation (CLF), this reflects what we see every day.

The data makes clear that mental health is shaping how young people engage with their lives. Many youth report missing school due to stress, bullying, and emotional challenges, contributing to widespread disengagement. At the same time, more than one in five young people lack a safe, welcoming space where they can simply be themselves. For many, this is compounded by exposure to community violence, without consistent opportunities to process those experiences in meaningful ways.

Youth are also asking for something specific. Less than half feel fully prepared for real life, and many are looking for opportunities to build practical skills like financial literacy, career readiness, and problem solving. Research continues to show that youth who participate in community-based programs feel more optimistic and better prepared for their futures. They also benefit from having access to trusted adults beyond the classroom who can guide and support them.

This is where CLF plays a critical role. CLF creates a space where youth feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Through hands-on, community-based projects, young people build real-world skills, explore their identities, and turn their experiences into leadership. They are supported by mentors and facilitators who reinforce that their voice matters and that they have the ability to create change.

In a time when many young people feel disconnected, spaces like CLF help re-engage youth by making learning relevant and meaningful. The needs outlined in this report are clear. If we want youth to feel prepared for the future, we must invest in environments that build agency, connection, and real-world skills.

Read the full report from A Better Chicago here: https://www.abetterchicago.org/wp-content/uploads/ABC_StateOfOurYouth_2026-1.pdf