There are numerous child and youth development frameworks being used by youth serving organizations and government entities. A common vision and framework allow for better mission and resource alignment, more precise measurement of progress and provide a useful tool for communicating goals and strategies to the public, families and youth, funders, policy makers and community stakeholders.

By Karen Pittman, December 2008

The core belief here at the Forum for Youth Investment – that all young people should be Ready by 21 – ready for college, work and life – often provokes public criticism.  The exchanges typically go like this:

“Not every young person needs to go to college,” calls out one person from an audience. True, I say, but all should be ready to.

Change is coming. Not just to the White House, but to Ready by 21 communities across the country. Stay tuned for exciting updates on our Ready by 21 rollout plans in the next issue of Forum Flash. Also check out our 3 latest publications, a Michigan Dropout Summit and more!