In 2022, Insight Region® began a multi-report project focusing on Mental Health, which continued into 2023. In addition, reports were released on the needs of Northern Virginia's Seniors, and on income inadequacy.
In 2021, Insight Region® focused on understanding and promoting Inclusive Prosperity – increasing self-sufficiency, expanding economic opportunity, and forging pathways for long-term movements out of poverty for all of Northern Virginia’s residents.
In 2024, Insight Region® focused on indicators of social trust and how only a quarter of Americans say that most people can be trusted. Americans’ belief that others can be trusted has reached a historic low, declining 47 percent from 1984 through 2022.
In 2025, Insight Region® will focus on the Health and Safety of Children and Youth in Northern Virginia.
Join us for our next event, and enjoy our past events below.
Insight Region Deep Dive: Health and Safety of NOVA YouthJan 29, 2025 12:00 PM The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. Join us for an important webinar focused on the safety and health of youth in Northern Virginia (NOVA), with a special emphasis on critical issues affecting students today. This session will explore: feelings of safety at school, suicide prevalence and risk, and substance use trends. |
Insight Region Deep Dive: A Deeper Dive into Health and Safety of NOVA YouthApr 7, 2025 12:00 PM The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. This in-depth session will continue our January conversation in a more focused lense. We will dive deeper into the critical issues affecting the safety and well-being of youth in Northern Virginia (NOVA), providing a comprehensive exploration of the complex factors influencing students today. Building on foundational topics, we’ll examine key challenges surrounding students' perceptions of safety, mental health concerns, and substance use trends in the region. |
Insight Region Deep Dive: When School Lunch is not Available, How do NOVA Youth Eat?Jun 17, 2025 12:00 PM The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. Join us for an in-depth discussion on the growing issue of food scarcity among youth in Northern Virginia. This session will explore the complex factors contributing to food insecurity in the region, the impact it has on the health and well-being of local young people, and the innovative solutions being implemented to address this critical issue. |
Insight Region Deep Dive: Housing Needs of NOVA YouthAug 21, 2025 12:00 PM The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. In this session, we will explore the critical issue of housing instability among youth in Northern Virginia, a growing challenge that impacts their overall well-being, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. With rising housing costs and a lack of affordable options, many young people in the region are facing uncertainty and insecurity in their living situations. Key topics will include the scope of housing instability in NOVA, impact on youth development, identifying their needs, and community solutions working to address this widespread issue. |
Insight Region Deep Dive: Back to School: Focus on NOVA Youth Educational PerformanceSep 16, 2025 12:00 PM The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. As students in Northern Virginia head back to school, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the educational performance of youth in the region. This session will explore key factors influencing academic success, challenges facing students, and the support systems that can help improve educational outcomes for all learners. Key topics will include: current trends in educational performance, barriers to success, support systems and interventions, and collaborative solutions. |
2025 Shape of the Region Conference:
Creating Safe, Supportive Futures for Northern Virginia’s Youth
Northern Virginia’s youth face alarming challenges, with 13.2% feeling unsafe at school and suicide now the second leading cause of death for children aged 10-14. On March 13, 2025, the Shape of the Region Conference will convene state and national experts to explore solutions that create safer spaces, prevent bullying and substance abuse, and expand mental health access. Together, we’ll discuss how these efforts can empower our youth to thrive academically, enter the workforce, and secure pathways to economic mobility—ensuring Northern Virginia remains a place they call home. Join us in shaping a more equitable and inclusive future for all.
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Deep Dive Series
The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report. Each session is led by our Senior Director of Insight Region®, Denise Bellows.Don’t miss the chance to gain valuable insights, connect with thought leaders, and be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of our community.
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Social Healing
February 9, 2024
This event launched the report Indicators of Social Trust, highlighting a key problem facing our region, and the whole country today: Americans’ belief that most people can be trusted.
READ MOREThe Economic Impact of Mental Health
October 10, 2023
This event launched the report The Economic Impact of Mental Health in Northern Virginia, putting in concrete money terms how much money the region loses each year because of mental health.
Getting By
August 29, 2023
This event launched the report Getting By: How Northern Virginians Respond When There is Less to Go Around, describing income inadequacy across Northern Virginia.Read More
Growing Old Together in Northern Virginia
March 23, 2023
This event launched the report Growing Old Together In Northern Virginia: The Family, Homes, and Budgets our Region Needs as we Age at the 2023 Shape of the Region Conference. A full recording of the conference is available below.READ MORE
The Shape of Youth Mental Health
January 31, 2023
This event launched the report The Shape of Youth Mental Health at an event hosted by George Mason University. A recording of the presentation is available below.READ MORE
Finding Our Way Back to Mental Health
March 15, 2022
This event launched the report Finding our Way Back to Mental Health: The Need for Accessible, affordable treatment in the Midst of Collective Trauma at the 2022 Shape of the Region Conference. A recording of the conference is available below.Read More
Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for Life
October 28, 2021
This event launched the report Ready for Kindergarten, Ready for Life: The causes and consequences of Northern Virginia's preschool enrollment disparity. Watch the full event below, hosted by Elizabeth Hughes, Senior Director of Insight Region®, and featuring experts on early childhood education policy as well as stories from parents and providers.
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