When we talk about “investing in the future,” it’s easy to think about hot-button topics like technology, infrastructure or renewable energy. These are undeniably important to Arizona’s growth and long-term sustainability. But there’s another critical investment that doesn’t always make the headlines and yet is just as essential for the health of our economy and communities: our youth.
Specifically, our under-resourced youth.
In Arizona, too many young people face barriers that prevent them from realizing their full potential. These barriers can take many forms: limited access to quality healthcare, underfunded schools, lack of mentors and role models, food insecurity and few clear career pathways. For young people growing up in under-resourced communities, success often feels like something reserved for others. The deck is stacked against them, and the opportunity gap keeps widening.
These challenges aren’t just social concerns. They’re economic ones. When large segments of Arizona’s youth are left behind, the consequences ripple across our economy. We shrink our future workforce, limit the diversity of ideas that fuel innovation and slow economic growth. On the other hand, when we level the playing field ensuring that every young person, regardless of zip code, has access to opportunity, everyone benefits. Businesses gain a stronger talent pool, communities thrive and families build stability that lasts for generations.
As leaders of social service organizations focused on underserved youth, we see this transformation firsthand. Every day, we work alongside young people who, when given support, coaching and encouragement, rise to meet challenges and redefine what’s possible for their lives. Our proven programs help them uncover their potential and set them on a trajectory toward college, career and life success. However, we can’t do it alone. It takes partnerships with businesses, schools, policymakers and community members to amplify the impact and reach of this work.
Two examples are New Pathways for Youth’s Level Up mentoring and personal development program and Advance Community’s Show Up! program. Together, these initiatives equip students in under-resourced schools with the academic support, life skills and resources they need to thrive. In fact, Show Up! has enrolled several students who are also in the Level Up program, creating a wraparound support system that meets youth where they are and pushes them toward a brighter future.
The numbers speak for themselves. Research consistently shows that every dollar invested in quality youth development programs yields multiple dollars in economic return. These returns come in the form of higher lifetime earnings, increased tax revenue and reduced social service costs. Education equity ensures that tomorrow’s engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs, teachers and skilled tradespeople come from every background, not just from the most advantaged communities. Imagine the collective innovation and problem-solving that Arizona can unlock by fully engaging all its young people.
Business leaders, here’s the truth: Investing in underserved youth isn’t a “nice to have” or a feel-good initiative; it’s an economic imperative. It’s not charity; it’s strategy. Programs like Level Up and Show Up! increase graduation rates, improve college and career readiness, and prepare a talent pipeline that Arizona businesses desperately need. As our state continues to attract new industries and expand existing ones, the demand for skilled, adaptable workers will only grow. Meeting that demand requires us to start today, investing in the young people who will soon be our employees, customers and community leaders.
This investment also strengthens Arizona’s competitiveness nationally. States that commit to inclusive education and workforce development are the ones that thrive in the long run. By contrast, those that fail to close opportunity gaps find themselves struggling to attract and retain businesses. Simply put, the future of our economy rests on whether we prepare all young people — not just some — for success.
The good news is that everyone can play a role. Mentorship provides students with guidance and role models who show them what’s possible. Sponsorship ensures programs have the resources to expand their reach. Partnerships between businesses and nonprofits create opportunities for internships, apprenticeships and hands-on learning. And direct investments in youth programs deliver exponential returns that ripple across families, neighborhoods and the state as a whole.
Arizona has always been a state built on resilience, innovation and community. By showing up for our youth today, we ensure that these values remain strong tomorrow. The students we empower now will become the entrepreneurs who start new companies, the healthcare professionals who care for our families, the educators who inspire the next generation, and the civic leaders who shape Arizona’s future.
We invite all businesses in our community to join us. Mentor. Sponsor. Partner. Invest. Together, we can build a future where no young person is left behind, where every student has a fair shot at success, and where Arizona continues to grow and thrive.
When we show up for our youth today, they show up for Arizona tomorrow. That’s a future worth building together. Wouldn’t you agree?
Jeri Royce is CEO of Advance Community, a Phoenix-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing communities to help under-resourced children, adults and seniors live sustainable and fulfilling lives.
Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D., is CEO of New Pathways for Youth, a Phoenix-based nonprofit focused on building a future where every young person can live their life with joy and purpose, confident in their ability to decide their own path.
