Pathways for Youth: Draft Strategic Plan for Federal Collaboration

The Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs (Working Group) is comprised of twelve Federal departments and five Federal agencies that support activities that focus on youth. This report, Pathways for Youth, is a first step to help the partners address their common goals for youth, elevate strong models of youth programs, policies, and other supports, and articulate areas for future collaborative work with and for youth. The Working Group solicited input from a wide range of stakeholders, including young people, families, schools, nonprofit organizations, State Children's Cabinet directors, government organizations at the Federal, State, and local levels, and others. Several themes emerged from the input, which are crafted into a vision for youth. This vision acknowledges the importance of pathways to opportunity for youth that include meaningful connections and safe, healthy, and stable places to live, learn, and work. Pathways for Youth considers all youth, with an emphasis on the most vulnerable youth, particularly those who are disconnected from school, work, or family.