History of Youth 360

2016-17: After a series of tragic events involving youth in the Mat-Su Valley, community leaders organized and mobilized a response. Community listening sessions and needs assessments were conducted, which identified the lack of teen activities as a significant community need.

2017: The Icelandic model, gaining international attention, was identified as a potential solution for the challenges facing Mat-Su youth. This led to a learning trip to Iceland by Alaska and Mat-Su leaders.

2017-18: Local priority areas for implementing the Icelandic model were identified, and a community coalition was solidified to support these efforts.

2018: The “Youth in Mat-Su” pilot project received initial seed funding through the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Additional funding followed from both statewide and local funders.

2018-19: A strategic plan was developed, organizational guidelines were set, and the leadership team was finalized. The initiative was rebranded to “Youth 360” to reflect its growing impact.

2019: The second Icelandic learning trip took place. That same year, Youth 360 hired its first personnel, launched its youth clubs, and conducted its first student survey. The youth clubs, located on school grounds in Houston and Wasilla, offered daily, year-round activities to fill gaps in youth programming in Mat-Su.

2019-2020: Two comprehensive youth surveys were conducted, providing valuable data to guide future programming.

2020-21: Youth 360’s activity stipend program was launched in 2020 and expanded in 2021, providing further opportunities for youth engagement.

2022: Youth 360 programs experienced rapid growth, with participation in the afterschool clubs doubling and demand for activity scholarships rising quickly.

2023: Youth 360 opened its third club at Houston Middle School and relocated the Wasilla site from a school campus to a community site, expanding its reach. Discussion began to engage parents and caregivers at a higher level within the program.

2024: The Family Connection Committee and Parent Leadership Team were formally established.

2025: A Youth 360 club on the Northgate campus will open to middle school students.