Education is the foundation of a thriving society, yet many young people across the world face barriers to accessing quality learning opportunities. According to UNESCO, approximately 258 million children and youth were out of school globally in 2018, highlighting significant gaps in educational access. From outdated curricula and unequal resources to rising student debt and lack of mental health support in schools, education reform has become one of the most pressing issues of our time. Youth advocacy is playing a crucial role in pushing for change and ensuring that education meets the needs of today’s generation.
Education is more than just academics—it shapes our futures, opportunities, and personal growth. Advocacy in education means speaking up for better policies, equal access, and meaningful reforms that help students thrive. Young people are using their voices to push for changes that make education more inclusive, equitable, and reflective of real-world challenges.
What’s Happening
Many young advocates are fighting for improvements in education, focusing on issues such as equitable access, mental health support, modernizing curriculums, and affordability. In the United States, projections indicate that public elementary and secondary school enrollment will reach 51.4 million students by 2025, emphasizing the need for systemic reforms to accommodate this growing population. The increasing pressures of academics, social expectations, and global uncertainty have led to rising mental health concerns among students. Studies have shown that youth advocacy programs can enhance participants’ confidence in advocacy, knowledge of resources, and engagement in advocacy behaviors, contributing to improved mental health outcomes.
Many students feel disconnected from what they learn in school because curricula often fail to address contemporary issues, financial literacy, life skills, and diverse perspectives. Youth activists are advocating for educational reforms that prepare students for real-world challenges. Furthermore, the global education market, valued at approximately $7.6 trillion, is primarily funded by governments, which contribute 60-70% of total education spending. Despite this investment, higher education remains financially out of reach for many students due to rising tuition costs and student loans. Advocacy groups are calling for tuition reforms, increased scholarships, and policies that reduce student debt burdens.
Taking Action
You don’t need to be a politician or an educator to make a difference. There are many ways students and young advocates can contribute to education reform. Raising awareness by sharing stories, data, and personal experiences about education challenges on social media and in communities is a powerful powersful way to do so. Engaging with school leaders and policymakers by attending school board meetings, starting petitions, or writing letters to education officials can lead to concrete changes. Supporting student organizations by joining or creating a student-led group focused on educational reform and student rights allows for collective action. Volunteering in education programs by tutoring younger students, supporting after-school programs, or getting involved with nonprofit organizations working on education initiatives is another impactful way to contribute. Pushing for curriculum changes by working with teachers and administrators to advocate for lessons that include diverse perspectives, life skills, and mental health education ensures that learning remains relevant and beneficial for students.
TL;DR
Education shapes the future, and young voices are essential in shaping the education system. Whether it’s advocating for mental health resources, pushing for affordable higher education, or fighting for equal opportunities, every action counts. If we want an education system that truly supports and prepares students for the future, we must be willing to speak up and demand change. What changes would you like to see in education? Now is the time to advocate for a system that works for everyone.