Delaware has emerged as a national leader among states working to improve postsecondary education and career outcomes for young people. The state’s rich history of strong public-private partnerships has positioned leaders in the state to launch important initiatives focused on college and career readiness and access that engage stakeholders across all sectors. While impressive initiatives and policies are in place at the state level, the Delaware Business Roundtable Education Committee, the Delaware Community Foundation, the Delaware Department of Education, the Rodel Foundation of Delaware, and the United Way of Delaware recently asked a critical question for which they did not have a ready answer: How well are college and career readiness, advising, and support services supporting students across the state?

These organizations partnered with Jobs for the Future to address this important question. JFF conducted an extensive landscape analysis, engaging over 300 stakeholders through focus groups, surveys, and individual feedback. Key findings relate to rethinking college and career advising, addressing student mental health needs, expanding access to support services and equity of distribution, and leveraging existing resources. The report offers recommendations for Delaware to continue to build on the foundational work already present in many communities and schools.