A college education strongly affects whether or not children from poor or low-income families move up the economic ladder when they become adults. But they are less likely to enroll in either two- or four-year colleges, and less likely to complete a degree when they do, relative to those from middle- and upper-income families — even after accounting for differences in academic preparation. We review current federal efforts to help low-income students attend college, and recommend new policies that would improve their academic preparation, provide more effective guidance on selecting and paying for college, and improve retention and graduation rates.

A new Child Trends brief helps funders, administrators, and practitioners find evidence-based programs that may be appropriate for their target populations and communities. The Guide provides an overview of 22 resources and 12 searchable online databases that offer information on a range of evidence-based intervention programs.

Families USA offers an online resource to help you better understand the health care crisis and how to achieve affordable coverage for all. They have gathered a wealth of resources that outline everything you need to know about health care reform.

A new Child Trends brief finds that youth who have not participated in out-of-school time programs are significantly more likely than are their participating peers to live in an unsupportive neighborhood; to spend more than two hours a day watching TV or playing video games; and to have parents who are in poor health, who don't exercise, and who have less than a high school education.

Recent data has found that denying LGBT people equal access to the institution of marriage, protection from employment discrimination, and other civil rights and family benefits may be contributing to higher poverty rates in the LGBT community than in the general population overall. This issue brief examines the latest data on poverty in the LGBT community and outlines how the continued expansion of civil rights will help to reduce it.

On July 16, 2009, Senators Jim Webb, Sherrod Brown, and Representatives Patrick Kennedy and Ruben Hinojosa introduced the "Adult Education and Economic Growth Act of 2009" ( S. 1468 and H.R. 3238). This legislation would invest in workforce development, education, and training to prepare adults to participate in the changing workforce.

The federal minimum wage rose by 70 cents to $7.25 an hour on July 24, 2009. It will raise the pay of the lowest-paid workers and boost the economy. According to an estimate by the Economic Policy Institute, the modest 70-cent increase will generate $5.5 billion in consumer spending over the next year - providing a boost to the economy without any increase in government spending.

On July 14, 2009, HUD Secretary Shaun Donavon outlined the administration's plans to reform the Hope VI program and the goals for the new Choice Neighborhoods Initiative. The initiative aims to include private and nonprofit partners in local projects to extend neighborhood transformation efforts beyond public housing and link housing developments more closely with school reform and early childhood innovation.

On July 15, 2009 the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security held a hearing on the "Youth Prison Reduction through Opportunities, Mentoring, Intervention, Support and Education Act" (HR 1064), introduced by Representative Bobby Scott. HR 1064 amends the "Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Act of 1974" to asses and develop standards and evidence-based practices to prevent both juvenile delinquency and gang activity. The legislation awards grants to local governments for evidence-based and promising practices for juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention.

Representative Barney Frank recently released a discussion draft of comprehensive legislation to preserve affordable housing. The legislative proposal aims to prevent displacement of low-income, elderly, and disabled tenants. It will focus equally on both rural and urban housing needs. Rep. Frank stated that these policies will move in conjunction with other efforts to promote the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and voucher program.