Investing in the Next Generation: A Bottom-Up Approach to Creating Better Outcomes for Children and Youth

This Brooking Institution report describes how local communities have invested in better outcomes for children and youth. The authors start by describing benchmarks of success from early childhood to adulthood, such as developing reading and math skills, learning how to behave appropriately, graduating from high school, and reaching middle class. Next, they discuss the intergovernmental funding challenges associated with improving youth outcomes. The authors conclude with three qualities present in communities who have made improvements in youth outcomes, based on conversations with city, county, and state leaders. Those qualities are a willingness and ability to devote more local funding to youth services, a commitment to cross-sector collaboration, and attention to accountability, transparency, and evaluations. The report also includes successful program examples from cities and tips for taking the first step toward improving youth outcomes.