Our Mission

Access Youth’s mission is to keep vulnerable youth in school and out of the justice system through mediation, restorative justice, and positive youth development.  

Every school day, thousands of students in our Nation’s Capital are missing out on the opportunity to learn, grow, and build toward their future. Chronic absenteeism and socio-emotional challenges have reached crisis levels in our community, creating a devastating cycle that pushes vulnerable youth away from education and toward uncertain futures. 

When students aren’t in school, they lose more than instructional time—they lose connection, relationships with caring adults and peers, and the sense of belonging that makes school worthwhile. This disconnection breeds further disengagement, creating a downward spiral that is difficult to reverse. In fact, students who are chronically absent in grades 8-12 are up to seven times more likely to drop out, while those who experience disciplinary removals face dropout rates three times higher than their peers. 

The good news is that chronic absenteeism and behavioral challenges are addressable with early intervention and sustained support. When students are connected to caring adults who build trusting relationships, are helped to develop personalized plans and goals tailored to their needs, held accountable through consistent progress monitoring, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed and grow, outcomes improve dramatically. Students who feel seen, supported, and connected to school show up—both physically and emotionally. 

Access Youth is committed to changing the trajectory for at-risk students, transforming warning signs into opportunities for connection, growth, and success. 

Here in Washington, DC, every young person deserves the chance to thrive and succeed. By investing in our youth today, we will ensure a safe and thriving community for the future.