Resources for States

Through our role as the the main technical assistance provider in the Shifting Gears initiative and the Administrator of the Shifting Gears web site, CLASP maintains a Resource Center that can help states find the latest reports and findings about policies and promising practices that can transform state education and training systems to increase economic opportunity for low-income adults and disadvantaged youth. 

Basic Skills for Success in College and Careers 

States can increase the number of adults earning postsecondary credentials if they make basic skills and English language services more effective for those whose educations stopped at high school or earlier. Explore these Resources.

Using Data for Policy Change

States seeking to increase the number of young adults and workers obtaining valuable postsecondary credentials can help achieve that goal by collecting data on student success and transitions toward postsecondary education. Explore these Resources.

Connecting Education and Work

States seeking to encourage young adults and workers to earn postsecondary credentials that help them advance economically should connect with employers to ensure that workers are meeting critical regional skill needs. Explore these Resources.

Financial Aid

The escalating cost of attendance, including tuition, fees and living expenses, serve as barriers to access for low-income individuals.  States can help ease the burden of going back to school by providing supportive "wraparound" services and financial aid that covers more than just the cost of tuition.  Explore these Resources.

Supporting Student Success 

Policies that provide supports other than financial aid are essential to improving student persistence and program completion.  Explore these Resources.

Connecting to Employers

Employers can contribute to upgrading the education and skills of less skilled workers by helping to build pathways to college and careers.  Explore these Resources.

Using Federal Resources

Federal programs offer cash-strapped states opportunities to expand best practices, explore innovative strategies, and supplement existing efforts targeted to low-income and disadvantaged youth. Explore these Resources.

For more information on the Shifting Gears state policy initiative, visit www.shifting-gears.org or e-mail Marcie W.M. Foster at info@shifting-gears.org.