The National Youth Employment Coalition is hosting its 2026 Annual Forum, “Rooted in Action,” in Houston, March 30-April 1. Several MDRC experts will be making presentations:

Tuesday, March 31

10:50-11:50 am, Room: Summit
Building a Culture of Learning: Using Data to Strengthen Youth‑Serving Programs

Attendees will explore how data can fuel continuous learning, strengthen program design, and drive meaningful improvements in youth‑serving organizations. Facilitators will share real‑world examples from recent collaborations in California and New York City where work-based learning programs used data — including participant perspectives — to refine their practices, adjust implementation strategies, and better meet the needs of young people.

• Louisa Treskon, MDRC
• Megan Millenky, MDRC

10:50-11:50 am, Room: Champions VII
Picture This: Using Photovoice and Rapid Learning Cycles to Elevate Youth Leadership in Program Design

This session will offer examples of how youth-generated photos inform decision-making at JVS-Bay Area, including about AI and job search. Attendees will receive practical guidance for implementing similar approaches with limited time or resources and strategies for ensuring youth insights lead to real program changes.

• Jonny Poilpre, MDRC
• Kelcie Wong, JVS-Bay Area
• Yana Kusayeva, JVS-Bay Area