The Challenge
Current systems to improve the livelihoods of young adults are fragmented and slow to respond to today’s rapidly changing economy and increased demand for skilled labor. Transforming these systems requires an unconventional approach based on intentional and inclusive collaboration.
108,185
out-of-school, out-of-work young adults in New York City
61%
of jobs held by young people are part-time
31%
of New York City college students work while in school, and fewer students are finishing their degrees
70%
of all jobs will require postsecondary education by 2027
Our Approach
We embrace a collaborative 5-step process designed to identify challenges, incubate new solutions, and advance what works.
We listen and learn first.
We grow ideas into an outcome-driven action plan.
We launch and continuously refine new ways of working together.
We evaluate our performance, assess what’s next, and advance what works.
Our Solutions
While the economic success of a young adult is determined by numerous factors, we believe solutions should be sourced from diverse perspectives and experience. Our solutions transform systems within following focus areas:
Work
Identify, design, and advance practices and policies that achieve better outcomes for employers and workers.
Education
Build equitable pathways to postsecondary education and career opportunities.
Community
Create localized solutions that respond to the unique needs of neighborhood communities with high numbers of young adults who are out of school and out of work.
How We Work
Transforming systems requires intentional and inclusive collaboration. As a neutral institution, we bring diverse partnerships together through a collaborative change process. In doing so, we build transformative solutions focused on identifying challenges, incubating solutions, and advancing what works.
Partners
Process
Solutions
Our Impact
We create and advance bold solutions that:
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- Foster collaboration among a range of stakeholders, even when they seemingly have competing needs.
- Align economic opportunities and workforce development by strengthening connections between local businesses and the institutions providing education and skills training.
- Create a talent development infrastructure through the promotion of best practices and institutional coordination among entities that provide services, training, and education to support economic mobility for young adults.
- Increase and leverage public and private investment in economic development, skills training, and education.
- Empower and amplify the voices of rising leaders in the community.
directly through innovative partnership models
secured to launch the NY State Workforce Development Initiative
to advance new and innovative solutions
collaborating through new partnership models
convened to imagine and incubate new ideas
initiated to transform systems supporting young adults
