2GEN COLLABORATIVE

The 2Gen Collaborative, launched by The Literacy Cooperative, brings together partners from early childhood, adult education, workforce, and social services to support whole-family success. Guided by the Aspen Institute’s 2Gen principles, the Collaborative creates space for professional development, peer learning, and systemic change that benefits both children and their caregivers. The 2Gen Collaborative envisions a future where seamless partnerships flourish, and as advocates for transformative systemic changes, we aspire to cultivate a landscape where families and children thrive through positive, holistic impacts that echo across generations.

Key 2Gen Milestones

  • 2004: The Family Support Consortium promoted family-focused initiatives.
  • 2015: MetroHealth System’s Nurse-Family Partnership launched with leadership from the Mt. Sinai Health Foundation.
  • 2018: The William J. and Dorothy K. O’Neill Foundation introduced 2Gen Deep Impact Grantmaking.

  • The Literacy Cooperative (TLC) introduced the 2Gen approach at its Read Across America Luncheon, emphasizing whole-family programming.
  • TLC launched the “Build a Child’s Brain” campaign to connect early childhood and adult education/workforce development partners.

  • TLC convened early childhood experts, community organizations, and workforce leaders to explore whole-family strategies.
  • Follow-up meetings led to the creation of the 2Gen Steering Committee and a formal Call-to-Action focused on:
    • Caregiver involvement in planning
    • Expanding inter-agency knowledge
    • Implementing referral strategies and shared databases
    • Incubating pilot programs

  • Four pilot programs launched and expanded to seven initiatives by 2022.
  • Caregiver engagement became a central focus, including surveys and advisory groups to inform program design.

  • Programs shifted to virtual delivery, prioritizing emergency needs and crisis support.
  • Professional development continued online, with sessions on trauma-informed care and racial equity.

  • A Partnership Agreement was introduced, outlining roles and expectations for Steering Committee members.
  • Two new initiatives launched:
    • FamilySpace – welcoming spaces for families to meet and access services
    • Louise C. Stokes Scholar House – affordable housing and supports for single-parent college students

  • The 2Gen Committee became the 2Gen Collaborative network.
  • Three priorities were identified for the next three years:
    • Peer Learning & Professional Development
    • Growing the 2Gen Network
    • Advocacy
  • Action Teams were proposed to support each priority, and members-at-large were invited to contribute.

  • The Advocacy Action Team was formed and developed its mission, vision, and an Advocacy Agenda.
  • Initial areas of focus include:
    • Healthcare & Mental Health
    • Early Childhood Education (Access & Employment)
    • Economic Assets