Making Opportunities Work for Youth: Expanding Proven Pathways to College and Careers

This Jobs for the Future brief details the Opportunity Works initiative, which funded seven community-based organizations across the country to develop education and training programs for youth who are disconnected from school and work. Halfway through the three-year grant period the organizations already had learned several lessons, such as the importance of helping youth see why they need careers, allowing enough time for youth to build rapport with their coaches, and creating partnerships with colleges to help youth complete postsecondary education. The brief also includes a summary of each site’s progress in the initiative thus far and profiles of youth participants.