What's wrong with this picture?

Our nation's young people are not doing as well as they should be and some are really in trouble.

Research indicates that only four in ten young people entering their 20s are doing well – healthy, connected and ready for college, work and life. Two in ten are doing poorly and the rest are inadequately prepared.

Quick Links:

• More on the research.
• What does it mean to be ready?
• What works to help more young people become ready for college, work and life?

We can do better.

After decades of research and practice, we know what works. When leaders in education, business, government and community-based organizations change the way they do business – aligning resources, building on existing high-quality supports and working together – we can improve outcomes for children and youth.

The Ready by 21 Challenge is a call to leaders to use bigger goals, bolder strategies, better data and broader partnerships to improve programs for children and young people. It's not a new task for leaders; instead, Ready by 21 gives leaders the tools and supports to make the most of what they're already doing – offering powerful solutions for passionate leaders.

Ready by 21 is not another new program, initiative, campaign or model. It is a call to action to leaders who know that doing business the same way is just not good enough.

Ready by 21 is a Challenge to passionate leaders to build broader partnerships, set bigger goals, use better data and adopt bolder strategies to lay the groundwork for changing the conditions that change lives. More on the Challenge.

Ready by 21 is an Approach to outcome-focused planning that meets leaders where they are and provides them with the tools and guidance they need to think differently, act differently and act together to use current resources better and to identify new resources faster. More on the Approach.

Ready by 21 is a Partnership of national organizations representing state and local government, business, education, nonprofits and community leaders that have joined forces to demonstrate the power of partnership and support leaders on the ground who are prepared to tackle the obstacles that limit our success – fragmented services, low expectations, poor data, competing demands and untapped resources. Learn more about the Ready by 21 National Partnership.

Ready by 21 is a Commitment that every leader – volunteer or paid, national or local, management or staff – in every sector should be able to make to the young people in their communities and states. The road to adulthood is more complex than ever; we need to commit our support for at least two decades to get them ready and connected. More on Leaders in Action.

Getting Started

Ready by 21 Meets leaders where they are, so let's find out where you are. Are you ready? Is your community?

• Read Karen Pittman's inspiring speech on how to "think outside the box" when it comes to youth programs.
• Read the Ready by 21 Brochure.
• To connect your community to the Ready by 21 Challenge, please contact us.
• Explore our tools & trainings.
• Learn about what others are doing.
• Join the Ready by 21 Leadership Network.

Already heard about Ready by 21 and want to take the next step? Deepen and demonstrate the difference you make in young people's lives.