A nationally representative survey of 3,300 America high school students shows that fewer than half are experiencing the supportive conditions that are linked to engagement and learning in school and out-of-school time settings.

As we grapple with the recent violence in Wisconsin, America’s Promise and The 74 Million held a Youth Town Hall to hear the perspectives and advice of young people during this important moment in our history. In that conversation, Shanyce, a high school senior from Staten Island, NY, said something that is particularly relevant in this moment: "This can’t be just politics—this is the reality that I come home to. We can’t brush it off and say ‘it happens’–schools should have open conversations about this, because it’s not going away.”

The report and companion guide, based on interviews with more than 100 youth across the country, offer action steps for engaging young people in conversation and change.