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The 12-to-24 Collaborative was born out of a profound recognition that young people in Frederick County were facing challenges that could not be ignored. The COVID-19 pandemic left many youth disconnected and struggling to find their path. In response, community leaders, educators, and nonprofit organizations came together, united by a shared vision to create a brighter future for young and emerging adults. Reports like the Frederick Downtown Safety & Services Initiative and the Community Assessment for the Development of a Youth Center in Frederick County illuminated service gaps and highlighted the urgent need for coordinated action. Conversations with youth and various community stakeholders revealed stories of resilience and aspiration, guiding the Collaborative’s foundational recommendations.
The momentum for change grew stronger during two pivotal gatherings at Hood College in April and June 2023. Over 100 representatives from nonprofits, public agencies, and local organizations came together, united by a common purpose: to ensure that Frederick County’s young adults have the resources and support they need to thrive. These gatherings marked the beginning of a journey, laying the groundwork for a united network dedicated to nurturing the potential of the next generation.
To transform this vision into reality, dedicated workgroups were formed, each tackling a vital component of the Collaborative:
Empowering young people through the City of Frederick’s “Good Jobs, Great Cities” program, opening doors to meaningful employment and career opportunities.
Reimagining what a youth center could be—a vibrant hub that not only provides essential services but also serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for all young people.
Creating a platform for young voices to be heard, ensuring that the youth themselves help shape the services and opportunities available to them.
Crafting a comprehensive, accessible service map to guide youth and families to the support they need, when and where they need it.
Building a system that allows organizations to share insights and resources, fostering collaboration and ensuring that every young person receives the best possible care.
These workgroups were guided by a passionate Steering Committee, comprised of community leaders and stakeholders, who met monthly to guide the Collaborative’s efforts.
In late 2023, the Collaborative reached out to the community, conducting a comprehensive survey of 103 organizations. The response was overwhelming—74 organizations participated, providing valuable insights into the needs and interests of the youth services sector. This high level of engagement demonstrated broad support for the Collaborative’s vision of building a unified network. Buoyed by this input, the Steering Committee issued its final report and began crafting a Charter to formalize the Collaborative’s mission and structure.
The Charter represents more than just a governance document; it’s a promise to the youth of Frederick County. It will lay out the roles and responsibilities of the Collaborative, define the role of the Youth Council, and establish frameworks for data sharing and service mapping. Crucially, it will also empower the Collaborative to seek funding beyond Frederick County, ensuring that this initiative can grow and sustain its impact for years to come.
In early 2024, a diverse and dynamic group of young leaders took their seats on the inaugural Youth Council. This 15-member body is more than just an advisory group—it’s a testament to the power of youth voices. These young people, each with their unique stories and passions, will play a critical role in guiding the Collaborative’s efforts, influencing funding decisions, and advocating for their peers across the county.
The Collaborative’s vision for a public-facing service map and a robust data-sharing system is a testament to its commitment to accessibility and transparency. By encouraging organizations to share information and collaborate, the Collaborative aims to ensure that no young person falls through the cracks—that every need is met, and every opportunity is accessible.
The 12-to-24 Collaborative is poised to become a transformative force in Frederick County, coordinating efforts among diverse stakeholders to support the needs of emerging adults. With a formal Charter, a seated Youth Council, and strong organizational engagement, the Collaborative is ready to launch into its next phase of development. The path forward includes implementing the recommendations of the workgroups, securing funding, and expanding the network of participating organizations. By fostering a collective impact model, the Collaborative aims to enhance the well-being and life outcomes of the next generation in Frederick County.
Click the link below if you want to help make a difference in the lives of Frederick’s young and emerging adults.
