In this first issue of Forum Focus, we summarize emerging research and practical evidence that quality matters and push forward to ask the questions: Is quality measurable? Is it malleable? We bring a youth-centered lens to our review, looking for examples that define quality from the perspective of what young people need to heal, grow and contribute. In "Research Update," we explore the range of roles that the research community and evidence play in demonstrating that quality matters, that it is measurable and that it is malleable. In "On the Ground," we zoom in on the New York City Beacons and their commitment to quality. "Voices From the Fields" features an interview with Robert Granger, president of the William T. Grant Foundation.