Fairfax County Launches Collaborative Network to Empower Opportunity Youth

Department Resources

July 24, 2025

Audience attentively listening to an engaging presenter

More than 70 community leaders and partners gathered for the official launch of the Fairfax County Opportunity Youth Network, a collaborative initiative focused on empowering Opportunity Youth—young people ages 16-24 who are not in school and not working.

The event, titled “Powering Pathways … Igniting Potential: A Collective Commitment to Fairfax County Youth,” marked the beginning of a countywide effort to drive equity, elevate youth voices and strengthen support systems for more than 9,300 young people facing disconnection in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and Falls Church.

“The impressive turnout highlights our community’s shared commitment to creating a more connected and responsive system—one that truly sees, supports and empowers every young person,” said Sallyann Rodriguez-Sawao, Executive Director of Fairfax Futures.

Opportunity Youth often face systemic barriers, including economic hardship, disabilities or lack of access to supportive services. The network aims to build stronger pathways to employment, education, mentorship and personal growth by uniting local agencies, nonprofits, schools and businesses.

A Vision Rooted in Partnership

The Network stems from a 2021 call to action by the Successful Children and Youth Team (SCYPT). Since then, key partners—including Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS), Fairfax Futures, Fairfax County Department of Family Services, Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, Fairfax County Public Schools, Capital Youth Empowerment Program and Northern Virginia Family Service—have worked to shape a collective vision for change.

“We’re not simply talking about programs—we’re building a movement grounded in partnership across systems and communities,” said Tony Humphrey, Youth Innovation Manager at Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services.

Featured speakers included Jamiel Alexander, Program Manager at the Aspen Institute’s Opportunity Youth Forum as well as youth participants from NCS’ Re-Engagement Centers, a Fairfax County initiative supporting disconnected youth with mentorship, skills training and career guidance.