The vast majority of the Federal government’s hundreds of programs serving children and youth spread are essential and effective, but they are not part of an integrated, strategic plan. State and national organizations can join the Ready by 21 National Partnership campaign urging the Obama administration to establish a White Office on Children and Youth to provide young people a voice and provide coordinated leadership across 12 federal departments and agencies.

Latest news (3/31/2009): Senator Reid Urges Obama to Create White House Office.

Why a White House Office?
Far too few of our nation’s young people are ready for college, work and life. Just 4 in 10 youth are in school or working, healthy, and connected to their community.

Approximately 30 percent of high school students do not graduate on time. For African American and Hispanic students, on-time graduation is a 50-50 proposition. Employers report that 4 in 10 high school students lack the skills needed for work.

The Federal government runs hundreds of programs to serve children and youth ages 0-24, spread across 12 departments and agencies.

The vast majority of these efforts are essential and effective; however, they are not part of an integrated, strategic plan to help at-risk populations achieve successful adulthood.

Furthermore, few of the efforts designed to help young people have been designed with clear input from the young people the programs serve.

To transcend silos, amplify the voices of young people themselves and define a clear vision for success for all federal efforts, we need a White House Office on Children and Youth.

Join the 400 organizations and more than 1,000 individuals who are part of the campaign for a White House Office on Children and Youth.

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