Assemblymember Valencia Convenes “Pathways to Purpose” Roundtable on Solutions to Crisis Facing Boys and Men
$2-Million State Funding Announced for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire
ANAHEIM, Calif. – Nov. 11, 2026 – Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) convened a roundtable on Tues. Nov. 10, in Anaheim as part of his “Pathways to Purpose” effort. The event brought together community leaders, educators, young people, and experts from a range of partner organizations to examine the challenges facing boys and men and to identify practical ways to respond.
In August, the California State Assembly Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men, established and chaired by Assemblymember Valencia, held its first hearing in the State Capitol, focused on the harmful effects of technology on young people.
The “Pathways to Purpose” effort centers on one question: how to help boys and young men develop the relationships, confidence and opportunities they need to thrive while engaging more men as mentors and positive role models.
Topics discussed during the roundtable focused on the following areas:
- How schools, colleges, training programs, and employers can work together to equip young men with the skills, relationships, networks, and guidance needed to succeed across career paths, including the skilled trades.
- What works in getting men involved as mentors and trusted adults, and keeping them involved
- What research and data would help explain how challenges in education, employment, mental health and social connection are affecting boys and men in Orange County
“Too many boys and young men are navigating challenges without the relationships and support that can help them see a path forward,” said Assemblymember Valencia. “This roundtable is about turning concern into action. By bringing young people, educators, employers, and community leaders together, we can identify what is missing and build more opportunities for connection, mentorship and purpose for future generations.”
Participants in the roundtable included perspectives from:
- Education and family engagement: Anaheim Union High School District; local Parent Teacher Associations; Santa Ana Unified School District; Santiago Canyon College’s Rising Scholars program; University of California, Irvine’s Center for Educational Partnerships.
- Health and well-being: Movember; Rady Children’s Health, Orange County (formerly CHOC).
- Research and advocacy: American Institute for Boys & Men; Center for Boys and Men.
- Mentorship and fatherhood: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire; First 5 Orange County’s Fatherhood Coalition; Mentor CA.
- Community: Big Brothers Big Sisters male youth ambassadors
Also at the event, Assemblymember Valencia’s office announced a $2-million state investment for BBBS OC/IE to help broaden the organization’s programs for strengthening the well-being of boys and young men through consistent mentoring relationships, shared activities, and connections to education and employment.
That work includes expanding school-based mentoring with educational partners; recruiting and retaining more male mentors; offering quarterly activities focused on connection, resilience and healthy relationships; and connecting young men with professional mentors, career exploration and work-based learning.
“A consistent mentor gives a young person someone to turn to, someone who recognizes their strengths and helps them imagine what comes next,” said BBBS OC/IE CEO Sloane Keane. “This investment will help us bring that support to more boys and young men. We also want more men to experience the connection and sense of purpose that can come from showing up for someone else as a mentor.”
Go here to find out more about the Pathways to Purpose program.
