Developing Supportive Educational and Career Pathways for Young People

Summary

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Learn and Earn to Achieve Potential (LEAP) initiative aims to improve educational and employment for young people, particularly those who have experienced foster care, justice system involvement or homelessness. Through collaboration with local organizations, LEAP helps youth gain the skills and support necessary to achieve long-term success.

This report outlines strategies that LEAP has employed and shares lessons learned to help guide public systems and organizations looking to provide similar support.

Key LEAP strategies include:

• Equity-Centered and Inclusive Environments: Developing processes to identify and address inequitable practices that create barriers for youth of color.
• Flexible Learning Experiences: Providing high-quality learning opportunities that equip young people with the necessary skills for career and postsecondary success.
  
• Youth-Centered Design: Integrating young people into decision-making processes to identify barriers and advocate for policy changes.
  
• Support for Meeting Basic Needs: Assisting youth in accessing resources such as housing, mental health services, child care, transportation and technology.
  
• Empowering Relationships: Fostering strong peer-to-peer connections and support networks.
  
• Formalized Structure for Collaboration: Establishing formal referral and data-sharing agreements to enhance service delivery.
  

By implementing these strategies, systems, organizations and communities can create an equitable, supportive environment that helps young people tap into their talents and realize their full potential.