Marin 9 to 25: A Youth-Centered Accountable Community for Health
Marin 9 to 25 is transforming youth well-being in Marin County through a youth-led, equity-driven collaborative model. As an Accountable Community for Health (ACH), it addresses inequities in mental health, education, housing, and substance use by centering youth leadership and cross-sector collaboration. Through initiatives like Find Your Way, youth scholarships, LGBTQ+ advocacy, art and film showcases, and recovery events, Marin 9 to 25 empowers young people to shape solutions and drive systems change. Uniting public agencies, nonprofits, and residents, Marin 9 to 25 demonstrates that centering the needs and experiences of youth strengthens equity and resilience across entire communities.
The Marin 9 to 25 case study highlights:
A Silent Crisis – rising youth distress, substance use, and inequities in Marin show the urgency of a youth-centered response.
Building from the Ground Up – agencies and nonprofits came together to coordinate efforts and align resources, breaking down silos that had hindered impact.
Youth at the Center – Find Your Way began as a wellness campaign and grew into a countywide hub where youth design resource guides, lead projects, and co-chair meetings.
Becoming an ACH – CACHI support gave Marin 9 to 25 a framework for equity planning, workforce development, and long-term accountability.
Shared Governance in Action – youth and adults co-lead advisory teams, publish multilingual resources, and embed equity into systems change.
Insights for the Field – Marin 9 to 25’s work shows that infrastructure, power-sharing, connection, and equity are essential for strengthening youth well-being.
Marin 9 to 25 demonstrates that centering the experiences of underserved youth strengthens equity and resilience across entire communities.