On April 28th, EWDD and Workforce Development Board staff joined youth, educators, and community leaders at the 2025 Crossroads Policy Forum, held at Los Angeles Trade Tech College. This transformative gathering aimed to re-engage marginalized youth through the lens of mental wellness, equipping practitioners with actionable tools to create lasting change. More than just a conference, the forum served as a catalyst for dialogue, policy innovation, and collective action, reinforcing the critical intersection between youth empowerment and mental health advocacy.
The event brought together over 115 young people, alongside leadership from 11 YouthSource Centers, EWDD Assistant General Manager Gerardo Ruvalcaba, and Workforce Development Board Youth Council Chair David Crippens. These participants contributed their voices, perspectives, and aspirations, shaping discussions that could influence the future of youth-focused mental health policies.
Throughout the day, students made presentations with insightful poster sessions highlighting groundbreaking mental health research, policy recommendations, and firsthand experiences. These presentations underscored the importance of recognizing youth as key stakeholders in shaping solutions for their own well-being. Additionally, mental health professionals and community organizations shared trauma-informed toolkits, ensuring that practitioners left the event with tangible strategies to better serve young people facing systemic challenges.
The forum culminated in four interactive professional development workshops, designed to deepen understanding of mental health through the lens of culturally responsive care. These sessions empowered attendees with actionable insights, fostering a commitment to dismantling barriers that prevent marginalized youth from accessing support systems that prioritize healing and success.
The energy, advocacy, and sheer determination exhibited throughout the day made the 2025 Crossroads Policy Forum a pivotal moment in youth policy discussions. It was more than an event—it was a movement, reminding everyone in attendance that when young voices are heard and amplified, real change can happen.
The City of Los Angeles has many programs and benefits designed specifically for Angelenos aged 16-24. Learn how we can help you achieve your goals by visiting our Youth Services page.
This story is from the May 2025 Updates Newsletter. Visit our EWDD Newsletter page to read more.
