According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020), the proportion of children visiting hospital emergency rooms for mental health reasons has increased and remained elevated since April 2020. There is also a growing concern for how pandemic-related restrictions and stressors impact youth learning (National 4-H Council & The Harris Poll, 2020).

Concerned about the pandemic’s impacts on Nevada’s youth, the Nevada Association of Counties asked UNR Extension to help identify school-aged children’s current educational and mental health needs across the state. In partnership with the UNR College of Education and Human Development and the Nevada Department of Education, a survey was designed to obtain input on how the pandemic has impacted pre-K-12 education and youth’s mental health in Nevada from three distinct groups: parents/families, school personnel, and community members. This survey resulted in over 1,300 responses and over 2,000 comments to open-ended questions.

Some of the key findings are that communication, quality of distance education, and socio-emotional health of students are among the most important educational issues of the pandemic. . Some of the lessons learned focused on the importance of clear communication, family engagement, and flexibility within learning environments. These survey results are similar to other national studies, including the National 4-H Council & The Harris Poll (2020), and can inform other states’ current and post-pandemic programming. Participants will receive a link with the data, summary, full report, and digital resource guide for educators and families that includes programs and resources to support youth’s academic success and mental health needs in Nevada. Implications for 4-H Youth Development practice will be discussed, especially as it relates to helping youth deal with the emotional trauma they have felt over the past year and reconnect them with other youth and caring adults.