Strategies

Provide educational and social services in an alternative setting for students at risk of dropping out of traditional high schools

Match disadvantaged or at-risk youth with volunteer mentors in school or community settings

Provide career and technical education (CTE) as an integrated part of an academic curriculum for students, especially those at risk of dropping out of high school; also called vocational training

Establish small learning communities in high schools focused on fields such as health care, finance, technology, communications, or public service

Provide financial assistance to working parents, or parents attending school, to pay for child care

Combine academic, mental and physical health, and social service resources in schools for students and families via partnerships with community organizations; also called community learning centers

Provide free and confidential counseling and service referrals via telephone-based conversation, web-based chat, or text message to individuals in crisis, particularly those with severe mental health concerns

Expand refundable earned income tax credits for working individuals and families with low to moderate incomes

Provide confidential worksite-based counseling and referrals to employees to address personal and workplace challenges

Adopt policies that allow custodial parents who receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) to collect all child support paid by the non-custodial parent; no portion is retained by the state