Building Pathways Back

Waco's efforts to re-engage opportunity youth

In Waco, nearly 2,300 young people ages 16 to 24—about 8.4% of this age group—are disconnected from both school and work. Known as Opportunity Youth, these individuals face barriers such as homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges, making it difficult to stay on track toward long-term success.

Re-engagement efforts are designed to change that story. Across the country, Re-engagement Centers have helped young people reconnect with education, training, and employment, while also providing crucial support services like housing and mental health resources.

Here in Waco, local partners—including Prosper Waco, The Cove, Heart of Texas Goodwill, Communities in Schools for the Heart of Texas, Heart of Texas Behavioral Health Network, City of Waco, and TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers—are working with the National League of Cities to explore a mobile Re-engagement model. Rather than a single site, the plan is to bring services directly to where youth already are, offering flexible, community-based support to help them reconnect with school, job training, and vital resources.

This effort is part of a bigger picture, strengthening the network of support for young people and addressing gaps in the current system. While there’s nothing to announce just yet, these partners are making steady progress and look forward to sharing more soon.

By re-engaging youth, Waco is investing in a stronger, more resilient community.