In this guide about two-generation strategies, the authors offer state and local policymakers ideas as they begin to develop and implement these new approaches in their areas. The guide provides an overview of the recent innovative two-generation programs and several examples of the model that illustrate different approaches with strong workforce and/or educational components. Additionally, the authors present five facilitating factors that may be linked to the success of two-generation strategies, including supportive policy frameworks, leadership, program administration, integrated and flexible funding streams, and evidence-oriented culture. Finally, the guide concludes with detailed steps used to establish these strategies, as well as recommendations for policymakers interested in implementing a two-generation approach.

The Frontiers of Innovation initiative from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child released a short video about a theory of change to achieve breakthrough outcomes for vulnerable children and families. The video depicts the need to focus on building capabilities of caregivers, as well as strengthen communities that form the environment of crucial relationships for children’s lifelong development.

Recently, the economic climate has refocused attention on how to design effective workforce development strategies to benefit low-wage and low-skill workers advance in the job market. However, one key barrier faced by this group is a lack of child care, caused by either high costs or limited availability of reasonable options. Without child care, it is more difficult for parents to invest the time and effort in improving their skills through training or education. This report examines the intersection of child care needs and workforce development efforts to spur a discussion of critical issues and solutions for these working parents.

This post from the Annie E. Casey Foundation describes the important differences between financial coaching and other types of money management, such as financial literacy, financial counseling, and financial planning. Financial coaching focuses on self-empowerment and the achievement of goals through short- and long-term steps, which can help low-income families achieve financial stability.

The Joyce Foundation launched Shifting Gears in 2007 to assist six Midwest states to increase the number of low-skilled adults with the education and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy. The Joyce Foundation extended Shifting Gears funding from 2012 – 2014 in Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. These states had committed to expanding adult education bridge programs to increase the number of students transitioning into postsecondary education. This report examines the progress made in each state from 2012 – 2014, and also briefly reviews how the Shifting Gears work influenced the national discourse on increasing skills and credentials for adult learners.

Children born into low-income families are at greater risk of experiencing persistent poverty during their childhood and long-term negative effects on their health, financial success, and general well-being. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) offers an opportunity to achieve two-generational goals for parents and their infant children. However, underfunded services and barriers to access can hold parents back and make it harder for them to lift their families out of poverty. This report from CLASP recommends a new framework for thinking about TANF in the context of the first year of a child’s life.

This blog post discusses the recently announced $600,000 in awards to six tribal entities for a new round of Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI) grants. These grants allow tribal communities to coordinate their early learning and development programs and enhance the services offered to children and families from pregnancy through kindergarten.

OFA published data on TANF recipients in Fiscal Year 2013. Seventy-three tables provide data for FY 2013 of TANF program recipients by characteristics and financial circumstances.

This report from MDRC presents labor market trends and examines employment programs for disadvantaged youth over the past three decades. It aims to inform the search for solutions on the demand-side by discussing factors that may cause high unemployment rates among young adults, current evidence on employment-related interventions for young adults, and future directions for change involving greater employer involvement.

Strong English language skills open the doors to economic advancement and community involvement for immigrants and refugees, while strong basic literacy, numeracy, and technology skills are also important for adults to secure jobs and become self-sufficient. This webinar discussed how to meet the particular needs of parents of young children and immigrants in the workforce, ensuring equal access to services for those with low levels of education, and improving access to education and training opportunities for immigrants and refugees.