California Leaders Convene to Address Crisis Facing Men and Boys

Sacramento wellness coach Jordan Coleman among those tapped to tackle rising disconnection and lack of opportunity

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:50pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstracted, out-of-focus photograph depicting a group of young men engaged in a mentorship or community service activity, with warm pools of light and color creating a sense of connection and purpose.California's efforts to support young men through mentorship, service, and mental health resources aim to foster greater connection and opportunity.Today in Sacramento

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom convened national and state leaders in Sacramento last week to address rising disconnection, loneliness, and lack of opportunity among boys and young men in California. Among the leaders participating was Sacramento County Office of Education Family Navigator and Wellness Coach Jordan Coleman, who emphasized the urgent need for targeted support.

Why it matters

Data shared at the convening underscored the scale of the problem, with men in California dying by suicide at more than three times the rate of women, being over three times as likely to die from drug overdose, and nearly one in four young men reporting having no close friends. Additionally, one in nine prime-age men are not working or seeking work, highlighting the need for coordinated efforts to address these systemic barriers.

The details

The event aimed to build on the governor's Path and Purpose Executive Order, a statewide initiative aimed at expanding opportunity, connection, and well-being for men. California is taking a whole-of-government approach to address these challenges, beginning in education, expanding mentorship and service opportunities, creating stronger career pathways, and scaling behavioral health supports. Since 2019, the state has created over 667,000 apprenticeships, surpassing the goal of 500,000 by 2029, and has engaged hundreds of thousands of men and youth in workforce and mental health programs. The Men's Service Challenge aims to involve 10,000 young men in service and volunteerism by 2026.

  • The convening took place last week in Sacramento.
  • Since 2019, California has created over 667,000 apprenticeships.
  • The Men's Service Challenge aims to involve 10,000 young men in service and volunteerism by 2026.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The First Partner of California.

Jordan Coleman

A Sacramento County Office of Education Family Navigator and Wellness Coach.

Kim Johnson

The California Health and Human Services Secretary.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have the knowledge and data to clearly see that we are failing our young men. Our youth need leaders who are willing to hear them, understand them, and meet them where they are.”

— Jordan Coleman, Sacramento County Office of Education Family Navigator and Wellness Coach

“Too many boys and men are struggling with loneliness and disconnection, and that has real consequences for their mental and overall health. Across CalHHS, we are taking actions to reduce stigma, expand access to care, and to meet men and boys where they are to find connection, purpose, and support.”

— Kim Johnson, California Health and Human Services Secretary

What’s next

The state is creating pathways for young men to thrive academically, professionally, and personally by bringing together government, philanthropy, and community organizations.

The takeaway

This convening demonstrates California's commitment to addressing systemic barriers for men and boys while fostering safety, opportunity, and well-being across communities. By taking a comprehensive, coordinated approach, the state aims to provide targeted support and expand access to resources to help young men overcome challenges and reach their full potential.