This report from Jobs for the Future explores challenges facing underserved youth in the postsecondary system and offers eight recommendations for state policymakers to address barriers to entry and successful completion for such populations. The report defines underserved students as those that have been consistently failed by education, workforce, criminal justice and social services systems, focusing specifically on opportunity youth, immigrants and justice-involved individuals. The authors suggest that a student-focused guided pathway system can help such students enter and excel in postsecondary career pathways, leaning on robust supports and faculty guidance along the way.
The report also includes a map highlighting opportunities to braid federal funding streams in support of these strategies. All in all, this resource is a helpful tool for state policymakers aiming to advance policies that help underserved students access and complete postsecondary education and training.
