Trending...
- Plaza Mexico presents "Good Friday Celebration" - 118
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.20.2026
- California announces 300 wildfire projects fast-tracked in 300 days
News
Mar 25, 2026
Governor Newsom convenes leaders to confront crisis facing boys and men
What you need to know: California is bringing together leaders across sectors to tackle rising loneliness, disconnection, and lack of opportunity among boys and young men — and drive real solutions.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today convened national and state leaders in Sacramento to advance solutions for boys and young men — building on the Governor's Path and Purpose Executive Order, which launched a statewide, coordinated effort to expand opportunity, connection, and well-being for men.
Today's convening is part of the Governor's whole-of-government approach to address growing challenges facing boys and young men — from disconnection and declining workforce participation to worsening mental health outcomes.
When we support boys and men, we strengthen families and communities across the board. California is empowering them to find a voice, opportunity and a sense of purpose. A good man knows when to step up and when to open up — and our job is to build a culture and a system that makes both possible.
Governor Gavin Newsom
At a time when too many boys feel isolated and without direction, California is creating opportunities for connection and clear pathways to succeed. Today's convening underscored what's possible when we come together to support the next generation. Together, we can build a powerful ecosystem that uplifts young men, while fostering safety and wellbeing for women and girls.
Governor Gavin Newsom
This convening brings together leaders across government, philanthropy, and community organizations to focus on what's working — and what more we must do.
The American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) is the nation's first organization committed to objective research and policy development to enhance the well-being of boys and men. Research conducted by the institute includes studies on how America's evolving labor market is impacting men and boys, educational gaps between boys and girls, and urgent solutions to male loneliness.
"At AIBM, we've spent years building the evidence base on the challenges facing boys and men," said the American Institute for Boys and Men Founding President Richard Reeves. "What California has done is take that evidence seriously and look toward solutions — bringing together the people who can actually do something about it, from state agencies to schools to community organizations. This moves us from symbolism to action, and it's why other states are paying attention."
The state of boys and men
Across the nation, the data is stark. Too many young men are growing up disconnected — without close friendships, without pathways to work, and without a clear sense of purpose.
During previous generations the "one size fits all" method has been accepted but it hasn't worked," said Sacramento County Office of Education Family Navigator and Wellness Coach Jordan Coleman. "We have the knowledge and data to clearly see that we are failing our young men. Our youth need leaders who are willing to hear them, understand them, and meet them where they are.
California's response
More on The Californer
Building on last year's executive order, California is taking a whole-of-government, lifecycle approach to meet this moment — starting early in education, expanding mentorship and service opportunities, creating stronger pathways into high-demand careers, and scaling behavioral health supports.
California has also taken action to bring opportunities to light for boys and men such as training for Emergency Medical Service Corps and expanding outreach in health professions where men are underrepresented.
Apprenticeships are another effective way to reconnect young men to opportunity by providing paid, hands-on training tied to real careers. California is expanding apprenticeships to create accessible pathways for young men into good jobs and a strong sense of purpose. Since 2019, more than 667,000 apprenticeships have been created — exceeding Governor Newsom's goal of creating 500,000 apprenticeships by 2029.
"Supporting boys early in school and at home is key to reducing this mental health crisis," said Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón. "Thank you to Governor Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and all the leaders involved for holding such important conversations about how we can support boys and men as they work towards critical, professional, and educational milestones."
"Too many young men in our state are struggling — with mental health, isolation, feeling like they have no clear path forward," said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. "I commend the Governor and First Partner for leading work to advance meaningful support and help so that young men can discover purpose and a future filled with opportunity."
"Too many boys and men are struggling with loneliness and disconnection, and that has real consequences for their mental and overall health," said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. "Across CalHHS, we are taking actions to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and to meet men and boys where they are to find connection, purpose, and support. We remain committed to bringing greater focus and urgency to this issue."
"Today's convening highlights the wide-ranging effort California is making to help support men and boys in our state who have fallen through the cracks, taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to look at solutions and provide them with the resources they need to not just get by, but thrive," said State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. "California's efforts include supporting developmentally appropriate practices in the early grades, supporting students through career pathways programs, and utilizing the California Community Schools Partnership Program to provide integrated educational, health, and mental health services."
"Too many young men are facing isolation, trauma, and a lack of access to the support they need to connect and participate in their communities," said California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox. "Expanding apprenticeships and workforce training is one of the most effective ways we can change that. By creating clear career pathways, we're helping young men across California build skills, find purpose, and access real opportunity."
More on The Californer
"Across California, many young men are seeking connection, community, and a meaningful way to contribute," said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. "Service and volunteerism offer them a powerful path forward—an opportunity to gain purpose, build skills, and make a real impact in their communities. We're calling on 10,000 men to lead the charge as mentors, tutors, coaches, and volunteers."
"Our greatest asset in California is our unparalleled workforce, and maintaining that advantage means ensuring every Californian, especially young men and boys, can see a future for themselves in our world-leading economy," said Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Dee Dee Myers. "This work is critical not only to individual well-being, but also to the resilience and competitiveness of our state."
"We know too many boys and young men are growing up without the connection, guidance, and sense of purpose they need to thrive. At CDCR, we see both the consequences when people fall through the cracks and the life-changing impact of mentorship, accountability, education, and real opportunity," said California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Jeff Macomber. "Programs like our Youth Offender Fire Camp Pilot Program show that when young men are given responsibility, training, and a chance to serve, they can build purpose and a path forward. Public safety starts long before someone enters the justice system, and this work is critical to building safer communities across California."
How we got here
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has been focused on building a California for All, investing in efforts to make government work for everyone by reaching underserved communities and demographic groups, expanding access to services that meet people's basic needs so they can focus on pursuing opportunities and advancement, and actively assessing disparities in opportunity and outcomes to more effectively deliver governmental services to all intended beneficiaries.
Economy, First Partner, Health care, Press releases, Public safety, Recent news
https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkur..." rel="nofollow">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/x?linkurl=https...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=h...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/copy_link?linku...">Recent news
Governor Newsom launches campaign to recruit young men, and all Californians, to serve communities and gain job skills
Mar 25, 2026
News Service corps members are on the frontlines of service — ready to step up and deliver for California What you need to know: While Trump is cutting federal service programs and opportunities for young people, the Golden State is doubling down on investing in our...
Governor Newsom announces nearly $900 million for cutting-edge transportation systems of the future
Mar 25, 2026
News While Donald Trump hands China the keys to the 21st-century economy, California is investing in the future What you need to know: The California Transportation Commission allocated nearly $900 million to modernize mass transit, expand freight capacity, and deploy...
Governor Newsom terminates states of emergency – 3.24.26
Mar 24, 2026
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a proclamation terminating 18 open states of emergency for various prior fires and storms, the counties that remained under a drought state of emergency, and other incidents for which a proclaimed state of emergency...
Mar 25, 2026
Governor Newsom convenes leaders to confront crisis facing boys and men
What you need to know: California is bringing together leaders across sectors to tackle rising loneliness, disconnection, and lack of opportunity among boys and young men — and drive real solutions.
SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today convened national and state leaders in Sacramento to advance solutions for boys and young men — building on the Governor's Path and Purpose Executive Order, which launched a statewide, coordinated effort to expand opportunity, connection, and well-being for men.
Today's convening is part of the Governor's whole-of-government approach to address growing challenges facing boys and young men — from disconnection and declining workforce participation to worsening mental health outcomes.
When we support boys and men, we strengthen families and communities across the board. California is empowering them to find a voice, opportunity and a sense of purpose. A good man knows when to step up and when to open up — and our job is to build a culture and a system that makes both possible.
Governor Gavin Newsom
At a time when too many boys feel isolated and without direction, California is creating opportunities for connection and clear pathways to succeed. Today's convening underscored what's possible when we come together to support the next generation. Together, we can build a powerful ecosystem that uplifts young men, while fostering safety and wellbeing for women and girls.
Governor Gavin Newsom
This convening brings together leaders across government, philanthropy, and community organizations to focus on what's working — and what more we must do.
The American Institute for Boys and Men (AIBM) is the nation's first organization committed to objective research and policy development to enhance the well-being of boys and men. Research conducted by the institute includes studies on how America's evolving labor market is impacting men and boys, educational gaps between boys and girls, and urgent solutions to male loneliness.
"At AIBM, we've spent years building the evidence base on the challenges facing boys and men," said the American Institute for Boys and Men Founding President Richard Reeves. "What California has done is take that evidence seriously and look toward solutions — bringing together the people who can actually do something about it, from state agencies to schools to community organizations. This moves us from symbolism to action, and it's why other states are paying attention."
The state of boys and men
Across the nation, the data is stark. Too many young men are growing up disconnected — without close friendships, without pathways to work, and without a clear sense of purpose.
- Men in California die by suicide at 3.6x the rate of women and are far less likely to seek help
- Men are more than 3x as likely to die from drug overdose
- Male veterans account for 15% of suicides in California, despite being just 2.9% of the population
- Nearly 1 in 4 young men report having no close friends
- 1 in 9 prime-age men are not working or seeking work
During previous generations the "one size fits all" method has been accepted but it hasn't worked," said Sacramento County Office of Education Family Navigator and Wellness Coach Jordan Coleman. "We have the knowledge and data to clearly see that we are failing our young men. Our youth need leaders who are willing to hear them, understand them, and meet them where they are.
California's response
More on The Californer
- Squeegex Expands Window Cleaning and Exterior Services Across 30+ San Diego Neighborhoods
- Long Beach: City Recognizes Tsunami Preparedness Week 2026: Know the Risk. Know the Route.
- Mark Dobosz Makes Donorassess.org Free To Every Nonprofit On The Planet
- THE DASH CAM: THINKWARE Launches Big Spring Sale on Select Dash Cam Models
- Genpak Announces Closure of Utah Manufacturing Facility
Building on last year's executive order, California is taking a whole-of-government, lifecycle approach to meet this moment — starting early in education, expanding mentorship and service opportunities, creating stronger pathways into high-demand careers, and scaling behavioral health supports.
- 195,000+ men trained through workforce programs since 2020
- 8,800+ men supported through reentry employment pathways
- 500,000+ youth and families reached with behavioral health supports
- +238% growth in use of Brightlife Kids and Soluna platforms since early 2025
- Goal to engage 10,000 young men in service and volunteerism through the Men's Service Challenge by 2026
California has also taken action to bring opportunities to light for boys and men such as training for Emergency Medical Service Corps and expanding outreach in health professions where men are underrepresented.
Apprenticeships are another effective way to reconnect young men to opportunity by providing paid, hands-on training tied to real careers. California is expanding apprenticeships to create accessible pathways for young men into good jobs and a strong sense of purpose. Since 2019, more than 667,000 apprenticeships have been created — exceeding Governor Newsom's goal of creating 500,000 apprenticeships by 2029.
"Supporting boys early in school and at home is key to reducing this mental health crisis," said Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón. "Thank you to Governor Newsom, First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, and all the leaders involved for holding such important conversations about how we can support boys and men as they work towards critical, professional, and educational milestones."
"Too many young men in our state are struggling — with mental health, isolation, feeling like they have no clear path forward," said Speaker of the Assembly Robert Rivas. "I commend the Governor and First Partner for leading work to advance meaningful support and help so that young men can discover purpose and a future filled with opportunity."
"Too many boys and men are struggling with loneliness and disconnection, and that has real consequences for their mental and overall health," said California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary Kim Johnson. "Across CalHHS, we are taking actions to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and to meet men and boys where they are to find connection, purpose, and support. We remain committed to bringing greater focus and urgency to this issue."
"Today's convening highlights the wide-ranging effort California is making to help support men and boys in our state who have fallen through the cracks, taking an all-hands-on-deck approach to look at solutions and provide them with the resources they need to not just get by, but thrive," said State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond. "California's efforts include supporting developmentally appropriate practices in the early grades, supporting students through career pathways programs, and utilizing the California Community Schools Partnership Program to provide integrated educational, health, and mental health services."
"Too many young men are facing isolation, trauma, and a lack of access to the support they need to connect and participate in their communities," said California Labor & Workforce Development Agency Secretary Stewart Knox. "Expanding apprenticeships and workforce training is one of the most effective ways we can change that. By creating clear career pathways, we're helping young men across California build skills, find purpose, and access real opportunity."
More on The Californer
- Magai V3 Launches to Deliver a Faster, Cleaner, More Capable AI Workspace
- Newborn Care Network Introduces Clinical Standard to Bridge the Six-Week Postpartum Gap
- California: Governor Newsom announces nearly $900 million for cutting-edge transportation systems of the future
- United Hotel Supply Expands PIP Renovation & Wholesale Hotel Supply Services Across the USA
- The AAA Metamorphosis: How Global Gaming Is Redefining Production Standards
"Across California, many young men are seeking connection, community, and a meaningful way to contribute," said GO-Serve Director Josh Fryday. "Service and volunteerism offer them a powerful path forward—an opportunity to gain purpose, build skills, and make a real impact in their communities. We're calling on 10,000 men to lead the charge as mentors, tutors, coaches, and volunteers."
"Our greatest asset in California is our unparalleled workforce, and maintaining that advantage means ensuring every Californian, especially young men and boys, can see a future for themselves in our world-leading economy," said Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) Dee Dee Myers. "This work is critical not only to individual well-being, but also to the resilience and competitiveness of our state."
"We know too many boys and young men are growing up without the connection, guidance, and sense of purpose they need to thrive. At CDCR, we see both the consequences when people fall through the cracks and the life-changing impact of mentorship, accountability, education, and real opportunity," said California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) Jeff Macomber. "Programs like our Youth Offender Fire Camp Pilot Program show that when young men are given responsibility, training, and a chance to serve, they can build purpose and a path forward. Public safety starts long before someone enters the justice system, and this work is critical to building safer communities across California."
How we got here
Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has been focused on building a California for All, investing in efforts to make government work for everyone by reaching underserved communities and demographic groups, expanding access to services that meet people's basic needs so they can focus on pursuing opportunities and advancement, and actively assessing disparities in opportunity and outcomes to more effectively deliver governmental services to all intended beneficiaries.
Economy, First Partner, Health care, Press releases, Public safety, Recent news
https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/facebook?linkur..." rel="nofollow">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/x?linkurl=https...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/email?linkurl=h...">https://www.addtoany.com/add_to/copy_link?linku...">Recent news
Governor Newsom launches campaign to recruit young men, and all Californians, to serve communities and gain job skills
Mar 25, 2026
News Service corps members are on the frontlines of service — ready to step up and deliver for California What you need to know: While Trump is cutting federal service programs and opportunities for young people, the Golden State is doubling down on investing in our...
Governor Newsom announces nearly $900 million for cutting-edge transportation systems of the future
Mar 25, 2026
News While Donald Trump hands China the keys to the 21st-century economy, California is investing in the future What you need to know: The California Transportation Commission allocated nearly $900 million to modernize mass transit, expand freight capacity, and deploy...
Governor Newsom terminates states of emergency – 3.24.26
Mar 24, 2026
News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today signed a proclamation terminating 18 open states of emergency for various prior fires and storms, the counties that remained under a drought state of emergency, and other incidents for which a proclaimed state of emergency...
0 Comments
Latest on The Californer
- United Hotel Supply Rolls Out Upgraded PTAC & HVAC Solution for Hotels & Motels in the U.S
- Blackfoot Communications Expands Into New Rural Digital Opportunity Fund With netElastic vBNG and CGNAT Networking Software
- Colette Barris's Open Letter To Revolt's Detavio Samuels 'The BlackPrint' Interview Of Kenya Barris
- NYC Composer/Educator Launches Debut Children's Book to Fantastic Reviews
- EFA Announces 2026 Editorial Rate Chart
- Red5 Taps PubNub to Power the Next Era of Real-Time Interactive Streaming
- Connect Convenes Regional Leaders to Amplify San Diego's Innovation Momentum
- Shoutout Joseph Neibich aka Nybyk
- Meet Joseph Neibich aka Joseph Nybyk of Beachwood Canyon
- Div Zero: A Spatial Mystery Built for the Evolving Future of Apple Vision Pro
- SoCal Locksmith With 113K YouTube Subscribers Shares Car Theft Prevention Tips
- LARUS Launches Business Continuity Framework for IPv4-Dependent Networks
- 438–444 N. La Cienega Boulevard Trades in West Hollywood's Premier Design Corridor
- California Housing Crisis Sparks Growth: Dave Simmons and StrataX Development Double Down on ADU Expansion
- California and European Commission discuss cooperation to accelerate the global transition to a carbon-neutral, resilient, and equitable future
- California Lutheran University Expands Board of Regents
- KeysCaribbean Offers 'Skip-the-Crowds' Savings With 15 Percent Off April Stays
- California: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.23.2026
- Breaking the Civilian Barrier: ResuModAI Helps Veterans Translate Military Service into Job Offers in 60 Seconds
- Global Leaders Meet in Baku: The World Is Running Out of Time