The “two-generation” approach is a strategy to promote youth children’s healthy development by developing the capabilities and resources of parents or caregivers. Adding a two-generation lens to inform an early childhood investment strategy can increase the impact of a portfolio of investments. This brief contains additional background information and tips for donors seeking that impact.

Of the nearly 40 million Americans between the ages of 16 to 24 in the U.S., approximately five million are neither employed nor in school. This disconnection is not only difficult for the youth themselves, it is also costly to society in the long run. But donors have a tremendous opportunity here to intervene. The odds may be stacked against them, but when given the opportunity and support, many of these disconnected young adults find their way forward.

Of the nearly 40 million Americans between the ages of 16 to 24 in the U.S., approximately five million are neither employed nor in school. This disconnection is not only difficult for the youth themselves, it is also costly to society in the long run. But donors have a tremendous opportunity here to intervene. The odds may be stacked against them, but when given the opportunity and support, many of these disconnected young adults find their way forward.

No discussion of early childhood development is complete without exploring the connection between a child’s exposure to harmful chemicals and the adverse health consequences that follow. This brief introduces the key issues involved in addressing childhood exposure to harmful chemicals. Specifically, we provide three high-level strategies to prevent and reduce childhood exposure to harmful chemicals, examples of organizations implementing these strategies, as well as additional resources for those interested in learning more.