Young American men face real challenges that demand urgent attention and thoughtful solutions that actually work. From skyrocketing mental health crises and declining college enrollment to digital addiction and social isolation, an entire generation of males is struggling to find their place in modern America. And it’s not just men who are hurting because of it. Women, their families, their communities, and their country all suffer as a result.
The Lafayette Company hosted the first-ever Symposium on Young American Men on November 3, 2025 to tackle these issues. The event convened lawmakers from both major political parties, health care experts, men’s organizations, policymakers, researchers, and education leaders to examine the scope of these critical social challenges and present evidence-based proposals to improve male well-being.
Cygnal, a FiveThirtyEight and New York Times top-rated pollster, released a landmark survey of 1,000 males ages 16 to 28 performed in October 2025 as a part of the inaugural Symposium on Young American Men.
“These findings reinforce the necessity of policymakers going to those closest to the problem — individuals and organizations working with and for men — to learn how to solve these challenges. Experts can be found in men’s lifetime brotherhood or service organizations, collegiate fraternities, religious institutions and athletic clubs.”
Patrick Kelly, CEO of the Knights of Columbus, kicks off the first-ever Symposium on Young American Men.
Alex Tarascio, principal and pollster at Cygnal, shares some key takeaways and open-ended responses to questions asking young men to describe their lives.
Speakers:
Moderator: Kathryn Jean Lopez, National Review
Speakers:
Moderator: Chris Moody, Appalachian State University
Speakers:
Moderator: Kate Odell, Wall Street Journal
Moderator: Marc Caputo, Axios
Speakers:
Moderator: Mike Mayer, Theta Chi
Speakers:
Moderator: Dr. Anthony Mack, Sigma Alpha Epsilon
