Beyond the buzzwords: How Washington, DC education policies shape youth activism

Through a thematic analysis of policy documents from state and federal education authorities, we explore how institutional structures and governance dynamics shape opportunities for youth engagement in Washington, DC. By examining how youth activism is framed and operationalized in policy, we ask: What does youth activism entail, and how is it defined and understood in the DC educational policy context? Our findings reveal that while references to youth activism are frequent, policy attention tends to center on global issues such as climate change, often overlooking local activism and the specific needs of communities. These patterns reflect a fragmented and shifting approach to youth participation across different levels of the education system, which can both enable and constrain meaningful involvement. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex challenges and possibilities for youth activism, emphasizing how institutional priorities and power dynamics influence the roles young people are invited or permitted to play in shaping public education.