The Need
![](https://www.youngwomensproject.org/sites/default/files/adult_civic_eng_need_0.jpg)
Under-resourced youth rely on government services for most aspects of their lives. They depend on public schools to prepare them for college, the Department of Employment Services to prepare them for work, the public transportation to get to school and work, and publically funding health insurance and clinics for health care. If they are in foster care or the juvenile justice system, they depend on publically subsidized group homes and foster parents to provide a nurturing home. Yet – young people have very few opportunities to influence the policies and programs that determine their lives and wellbeing.