Imagine What’s Possible

A Vision for Strengthening Education, Expanding Economic Opportunity, and Safeguarding Democracy

In June 2024, America Forward launched our election engagement efforts with the release of Imagine What’s Possible, our 2024 campaign paper. Shared with all 2024 federal office seekers and current policymakers, this paper outlines a comprehensive, actionable policy roadmap for the next Administration and Congress. Grounded in the expertise of our 100+ Coalition members, the paper provides policymakers with strategies to enhance America’s education system, expand economic prosperity, and safeguard democracy for future generations.

Key Highlights:

• Economic Mobility & Social Innovation: In “Imagine What’s Possible,” we call for breaking down barriers to economic opportunity by investing in proven workforce programs, like sector-based training and employment social enterprises, and supporting ongoing innovation. Additionally, we call for the modernization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to support data-driven and inclusive strategies. We also advocate for investment in social innovation to support equitable improvement across policy areas, including innovative financing structures, investing in practitioner-led research and development, making federal funding more accessible, and promoting skills-based hiring strategies for government and among government contractors.
• Education: We also emphasize the need to increase early learning resources and invest in a “whole learner” approach, including support for student mental health and wellbeing. In “Imagine What’s Possible,” we advocate for reducing barriers in programs like Head Start, supporting early educators, and advancing innovative early childhood strategies. Through our proposed Whole Learner Act, we aim to scale evidence-based practices that support the range of skills and supports students need to thrive. And through the new Youth Mental Health Corps, which we’ve championed, we address critical mental health challenges while investing in strategies to improve postsecondary outcomes and build career onramps. We also call for new investment in inclusive, evidence-based strategies that support students’ postsecondary navigation to and through college and to long-term career success.
• Democracy & Community Building: Finally, to enhance civics education and civic we call for the passage of the Civics Secures Democracy Act and the establish a White House Office of Civic Participation. Expanding national service programs can strengthen civic engagement, leadership, and career pathways, especially in under-resourced communities. In “Imagine What’s Possible,” we provide recommendations on ensuring equitable access to national service, and call for fully funding AmeriCorps and expanding national service programs to meet critical community needs.. 

The Imagine What’s Possible campaign paper is more than a document; it represents a collective vision and roadmap toward a future where all students can access quality education, and every graduate has a clear path to economic mobility. America Forward’s cross-sector approach reflects our commitment to tackling the country’s most pressing challenges. For more information, visit America Forward’s website.

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America Forward is a nonpartisan policy initiative of New Profit. Our work remains strictly nonpartisan. We engage with policymakers and candidates from all political parties to ensure our advocacy efforts are inclusive and representative of diverse populations.