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Disconnected Systems for Disconnected Youth: Performance Partnership Pilots Could Help

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Disconnected Systems for Disconnected Youth: Performance Partnership Pilots Could Help
Language: English
Authors: Lancy Downs, Morgan Polk, New America, Center on Education and Labor
Source: New America. 2025.
Availability: New America. 740 15th Street NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-986-2700; Fax: 202-986-3696; Web site: https://www.newamerica.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 30
Publication Date: 2025
Sponsoring Agency: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Partnerships in Education, Youth Programs, Federal Programs, Pilot Projects, Coordination, Youth Opportunities, Human Services, Program Evaluation, Program Implementation, Technical Assistance, Grants, Educational Change, Disadvantaged Youth, Public Agencies
Abstract: This report explores motives, experiences, and outcomes of the Performance Partnership Pilots for Disconnected Youth (P3)--a federal program to improve services for "opportunity youth" by increasing flexibility for sites focused on systems change--and makes recommendations for federal leaders to improve its appeal and impact. Building on our initial analysis in 2024, we interviewed federal staff involved in the creation and implementation of P3, as well as leaders from sites in the first three rounds of the program. We found that lasting systems change has been limited in four ways: (1) Sites lacked buy-in and understanding of the full flexibilities P3 provided; (2) P3 did not include planning time before implementation or technical assistance for proposal development; (3) program design elements prioritized programmatic flexibility over systems change; and (4) phased-out grant support reduced its appeal to potential applicants. To address these limitations, we recommend seven changes implemented administratively (like offering technical assistance), legislatively (like codifying P3), and systemically (like changes to the definition of "opportunity youth").
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: ED676702
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This report explores motives, experiences, and outcomes of the Performance Partnership Pilots for Disconnected Youth (P3)--a federal program to improve services for "opportunity youth" by increasing flexibility for sites focused on systems change--and makes recommendations for federal leaders to improve its appeal and impact. Building on our initial analysis in 2024, we interviewed federal staff involved in the creation and implementation of P3, as well as leaders from sites in the first three rounds of the program. We found that lasting systems change has been limited in four ways: (1) Sites lacked buy-in and understanding of the full flexibilities P3 provided; (2) P3 did not include planning time before implementation or technical assistance for proposal development; (3) program design elements prioritized programmatic flexibility over systems change; and (4) phased-out grant support reduced its appeal to potential applicants. To address these limitations, we recommend seven changes implemented administratively (like offering technical assistance), legislatively (like codifying P3), and systemically (like changes to the definition of "opportunity youth").