P21 Initiative

P-21 seeks to dramatically improve the future prospects for vulnerable youth across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—those aged 16-24 who are out-of-school, without diplomas, unemployed, or without the necessary skills to access good careers and to become productive citizens. The Commonwealth is losing a significant number of its young people. This weakens our future workforce, threatens our economic future, and harms the social and economic health of all youth who are left behind.

Pathways to Success by 21 (P21), is a strategic initiative that supports aligning youth services in Massachusetts, particularly for those young people most at risk. P21 will convene key stakeholders and leaders at the state, regional and local levels to:

• Increase the number of vulnerable young people succeeding in high school, postsecondary education and training, and the labor market.
• Decrease disparities along key indicators for racial minorities, low income, foster and court involved youth.
• Re-align state and local resources and programs to more effectively serve youth.
• Create new investments in vulnerable youth from federal and foundation sources.