A new report by Teachers College, Columbia University, Building Impact: A Closer Look at Local Cross-Sector Collaborations for Education, helps fill the gap by examining eight contemporary education collaborations across the country. The report draws on case studies of each of the collaborations and includes summaries of these examinations. Among the key findings are that collaborations need a credible and compelling rationale, as well as committed advocates, to get started; supporting a “backbone” organization to coordinate among the various players is a primary expense of collaboration; and collaborations seem to be helped by efforts to gather and use data despite a range of obstacles, including privacy concerns and uncertainty about which metrics to use.

To better understand the challenges that young New Yorkers face when navigating college and unstable housing, Young Invincibles spoke with more than 60 young adults across New York City. Their report, “I Know What’s at Stake”: How Homelessness Impacts College Success in New York City, examines the barriers these young people outlined, along with insights from leading researchers, service providers, and government officials. They also share recommendations to increase college access and success for students experiencing homelessness in New York City — recommendations that cities, states, and institutions across the country can use when addressing the growing crisis of college student homelessness.