My Brother's Keeper Task Force: Report to the President

This is the first progress report on My Brother's Keeper -- a national initiative to help boys and young men of color -- to President Obama. In the first 90 days of the initiative, the Task Force has reviewed statistics, research and government programs and policies, and heard the perspectives of thousands of community members and leaders through listening sessions. It has identified initial recommendations and areas of opportunity at each of six key life stages, as well as several cross-cutting recommendations that span all focus areas.

• The six key life stages identified include: 1) Entering school ready to learn; 2) Reading at grade level by third grade; 3) Graduating high school college- and career-ready; 4) Completing postsecondary education or training; 5) Successfully entering the workforce; and 6) Reducing violence and providing a second chance. Tweet
• The Task Force will make available and encourage adoption of critical indicator of life outcomes. The Federal government must also close gaps in data collection for currently invisible populations. Tweet
• We should expand public and private efforts to use evidence and outcome-focused approaches by rewarding evidence in programs and highlighting strategies and practices with promising and strong evidence. Tweet
• Supporting comprehensive, cradle-to-college-and-career strategies rooted in local communities is the best way to be successful. Tweet
• No single factor is more important in the life of a child than the love and support of caring, committed adults. Society has a collective responsibility to help ensure young people have the support of parents, caregivers, and effective mentors. Tweet