Governor Newsom announces $47 million in grants to help prevent substance use among California youth, including supports for struggling young men and boys

OG article by Governor Newsom

December 23, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom announced nearly $47 million in grants to 57 community-based and tribal organizations to prevent youth substance use. The funding supports programs that build leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement skills, with special emphasis on the Path & Purpose initiative targeting struggling young men and boys. These efforts address isolation, trauma, and limited service access through healing-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches that promote harm reduction and resilience. Administered by Elevate Youth California (EYC), grants provide up to $1 million per organization over three years (January 1, 2026–December 31, 2028). This builds on Newsom’s executive order improving mental health for young men and boys, who face higher overdose rates and social disconnection—nearly one in four men under 30 report no close friends, a five-fold rise since 1990, especially among young Black men. Funded by Proposition 64 cannabis tax revenue, EYC has distributed over $370 million since 2019. Newsom stated, “As a parent, I am committed to investing in healing and empowering our youth to be changemakers.” Recipients highlighted enhanced youth leadership and community relationships.