Most families want one thing across generations: a better life for their children. Yet for Black, American Indian, and Latino families, upward mobility in education, income, and health remains far harder to achieve and far easier to lose. The Mobility Milestones report, the second in Forward Change’s Striving and Thriving series, identifies 27 life course […]

Abstract Every year, thousands of California’s young people fall into a well-documented trap: school struggles lead to suspensions, suspensions double the odds of arrest, and a single arrest dramatically cuts a young person’s chance of graduating high school or enrolling in college. Once incarcerated, the damage deepens. Dropping out of high school becomes more assured, […]

This report outlines a comprehensive strategy to transform California's juvenile justice system by creating viable higher education pathways for incarcerated youth. ​ It highlights the risk factors leading to youth incarceration, the negative outcomes post-incarceration, and the potential of higher education to alter these trajectories positively.

This brief article published in Pediatrics discusses the concept of upward intergenerational mobility, emphasizing its importance in achieving the American Dream and closing racial opportunity gaps. ​ It highlights that mobility should encompass income, education, and health, collectively termed as "striving" (education and income) and "thriving" (health).

This report outlines a comprehensive strategy to transform California's juvenile justice system by creating viable higher education pathways for incarcerated youth. ​ It highlights the risk factors leading to youth incarceration, the negative outcomes post-incarceration, and the potential of higher education to alter these trajectories positively.

This report outlines a comprehensive strategy to transform California's juvenile justice system by creating viable higher education pathways for incarcerated youth. ​ It highlights the risk factors leading to youth incarceration, the negative outcomes post-incarceration, and the potential of higher education to alter these trajectories positively.

Abstract On July 21, 2020, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors (Board) unanimously adopted a motion to establish an Anti-Racism County Policy Agenda recognizing, affirming, and declaring that “racism is a matter of public health in the County of Los Angeles (County) and that racism against Black people has reached crisis proportions that result […]

Abstract This report explores the root causes and prevention strategies for domestic violence using a life course analysis. ​ It identifies risk factors from childhood to young adulthood, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and two-generation approaches that address both parents and children. ​ The report critiques the current punitive paradigm, suggesting it may do […]

Abstract This report builds on the 2016 Cities United document, “Violence Trends, Patterns, and Consequences for Black Males in America: A Call to Action.” It presents the findings from a thorough review of research literature focused on violence prevention interventions. The report highlights effective programs and practices that have successfully reduced violence and violent deaths […]

Abstract This report synthesizes and presents the latest scientific research, aiming to identify patterns, predictors and consequences of violence among Black males in the United States. It includes trend data on violent offenses and victimization affecting young Black males, demonstrating how exposure to violence severely impacts their cognitive, educational, and mental well-being, while also increasing […]

Abstract This report is a comprehensive report from an independent study commissioned by the D5 Coalition, exploring the career pathways of professionals of color in philanthropy. ​It examines how these individuals enter and advance within the sector, the barriers they face, and the factors contributing to their career progression. ​ Key findings include the importance […]

Abstract The case study tells the story of how community and youth organizers, public interest lawyers, and statewide advocates came together to support school discipline reform in California.  This report was funded by the California Endowment and was authored by Forward Change in collaboration with Learning for Action (LFA). In a remarkably short period of […]