Nalini Ravindranath

The first in a new Ready by 21, Credentialed by 26 series, this issue brief explores why postsecondary completion is an important goal and looks at how the U.S. is currently faring. It identifies partners that need to be mobilized and policy approaches that need to be enacted in order to significantly increase completion rates and help more young people successfully transition to adulthood.

The Ready by 21® Quality Counts initiative provided leaders and intermediaries from 12 cities and states around the country with a bold challenge – improving the quality and reach of out-of-school time programming.

The Forum for Youth Investment examines the education pipeline and the insulation needed for young people to be ready for and succeed in postsecondary education. This draft paper highlights both the roles of policymakers and youth organizations. It includes summaries of innovative state efforts and federal funding opportunities support work in postsecondary achievement.