This webinar series will introduce participants to the core and advanced components of Ready by 21®. This challenge calls on states and communities to change the odds for youth by changing the way they do business. This requires broadening definitions of what it means for youth to be ready, for schools and communities to be supportive and for all leaders to be engaged. This innovative series will include  sessions introducing the core concepts of Ready by 21, which will be repeated. There will be three series of audio conferences and webinars focused on the following areas:

1. Engaging Stakeholders: a series exploring the reasons and strategies for engaging, business, government, education, community catalysts and youth serving organizations – the full range of stakeholders critical for improving youth outcomes.
2. Big Picture Data and Planning Tools: a series exploring tools and strategies for data collection and alignment and how to apply this information to a strategic planning process.
3. Blueprint For Action: a series introducing the components of the Blueprint for Action, which charts a way forward in changing the way leaders do business for youth and describing how each element fits together in fostering change.

Quality is fast becoming a policy priority in states and localities around the country. As a result, formal and informal networks of youth organizations are seeking and developing strategies to help them assess and improve performance. This report takes a close look at efforts underway in three networks and provides a preliminary framework for thinking about key questions when planning any kind of program quality improvement work in the youth-serving sector.

This two-pager summarizes the core assumptions that philanthropists, planners and policy makers consciously or unconsciously take into account when making decisions about where to focus their efforts to bring about change.

Brochure: Offering the highlights of what a CYF resource map can do, and why a state or community might benefit from one, the brochure can help you make the case and spread the word about your efforts. A good tool for introducing decision makers to the idea of a CYF map, the brochure can also help those who already have CYF maps in the works think about how and if their efforts are meeting their needs.
Rationale: This introduction explains the why, how and what behind creating a CYF resource map. Setting the stage for what's involved in the process, this overview provides a good framework for understanding both the benefits and the challenges of getting the job done right.
Guide: The "meat and potatoes" of the guide, the handbook has been designed to clarify the process of creating and implementing an effective CYF resource map.

Much has been written lately that asks the question -- are young people across this country ready for college? The Forum for Youth Investment, Connect for Kids, Voices for America's Children and many state Kids Count organizations have developed this series for state advocates to share the vision, messages and state policies being proposed to improve the college readiness of youth.