Building bridges between school and afterschool is a common yet daunting task in communities around the country. That’s why afterschool practitioners, educators, researchers and policymakers will convene in Seattle in October for the 9th annual Bridge from School to Afterschool and Back Conference.

With so many initiatives focused on trying to boost student achievement, practitioners often find it overwhelming to figure out what strategies work best for which students. That’s why the Forum is embarking on a project to bring together practitioners and researchers who have been funded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Investing in Innovation Fund (i3).

Ready by 21 is a set of innovative strategies that helps communities improve the odds that all youth will be ready for college, work and life. Ready by 21 meets leaders where they are, challenges them to think and work differently, and helps them progress further and faster to deliver results for youth.

Those looking for ways to introduce the concept of the Insulated Education Pipeline to the general public might find it useful to see how the Forum found an opportunity in The Washington Post.

While child and youth coordinating bodies such as Children’s Cabinets, P-20 Councils, and Early Childhood Councils are critical in providing seamless, effective and efficient services to children and youth, there is little research on them.