Student Vision for Dayton

Equity Matters

In 2023, Learn to Earn Dayton, in partnership with the City of Dayton, embarked on an ambitious three-year initiative to transform how our community supports its youth. The goal was simple yet profound: center student voices to determine the true needs, priorities, and wishes of our young people.

The culmination of this process is the Student Vision for Dayton—a master planning document created by, for, and about young people. This roadmap is designed for the city, local schools, and youth service organizations to utilize as they set policy and funding priorities. Ultimately, it encourages a fundamental shift in the way we all do business, govern, and advocate for the next generation.

With the formal adoption resolution by the Dayton City Commission, we are officially moving from the planning phase into implementation. Our focus now turns to building the robust infrastructure required to turn this youth-led vision into meaningful action. At the center of this strategy is the creation of the Mayor’s Children’s Cabinet.

The Mayor's Children's Cabinet will serve as a cross-sector leadership structure that brings together city government, K-12 education, healthcare, housing, workforce development, and community partners alongside the proximate voices of residents and youth. By setting shared priorities and metrics, aligning strategies, and pooling resources, this cabinet will ensure agencies work together seamlessly rather than in isolated silos. The result will be a more connected, accountable system of support for Dayton’s children and families.

The Student Vision for Dayton will shift the way government, youth serving organizations and schools do business, govern, and center and prioritize the evolving needs, concerns, wishes of young people - created by and about young people. This Student Vision will bring attention to barriers, but also to bring light to the existing assets and community rich strengths essential to helping our young people succeed.

Mayor Mims encourages Dayton students to use their voice

Community Kick-Off Event

We were thrilled to welcome more than 70 students, educators, and engaged community leaders to kick-off the Student Vision for Dayton work. Enjoy a recap of the event here.

Student Listening Sessions

Based on the needs expressed in the survey, four priorities emerged that became the focus areas for discussion:

Leadership Opportunities
Safe & Healthy Neighborhoods
Mental Health & Bullying
College & Career

Learn to Earn Dayton hosted a series of Listening Sessions in Fall 2024/Winter 2025 to engage young people and hear directly from the students we serve. Thank you to the students and community members who participated in these sessions and shared insights about how to address these topics.

Work Group Sessions

Based on the student insights around the priority areas, work groups met to determine actionable strategies and draft outcomes and indicators for success.

On Thursday, June 26, Learn to Earn Dayton invited all student and adult participants come together and review the draft plan, to ensure it appropriately aligns with the shared vision and reflects the voices of the youth who participated.