When young people transition to adulthood, they enter a critical time where the decisions they make, and the systems they encounter, will directly affect their economic prosperity and agency for decades to come.

That’s why we work to advance opportunities for 16- to 24-year-olds to access, forge and sustain pathways to fulfilling lives, particularly emphasizing the experiences of Black and Indigenous People(s) and/or those whose backgrounds and identities are adversely impacted by historic systems of marginalization.

Building on the knowledge, network and insights gained from our grantmaking to date, we’ve identified four broad priorities based on their potential for impact, their interdependence and the opportunity for innovation and philanthropic impact. These are:  

• Enhancing efforts to meet basic needs so young people can focus their valuable time and resources on educational and professional opportunities.
• Increasing and improving navigation supports to connect young people to the diverse education and career pathways available to them.
• Building social capital to boost a young person’s opportunities for success.
• Changing employer practice around hiring, support and advancement to make opportunities attainable and accessible to all young people.