[The 2Gen Academy] created a trusted space to exchange strategies, troubleshoot barriers, and benchmark promising practices. Hearing how others approached their agencies, cross-system alignment, and staff culture shifts helped me refine and accelerate efforts within my own organization.
— 2Gen Academy Alumni
110
Leaders across 19 state agencies and non-profit organizations trained in the 2Gen Academy since 2022.
94%
Of 2Gen Academy participants formed new cross-agency relationships.
75%
Of 2Gen Academy participants reported those relationships improved their work.
These outcomes reflect more than individual program improvements; they represent a statewide shift toward more coordinated, accessible, and family-responsive systems of care.
Expanding Support for Student Parents
Student parents often face multiple disconnected systems when trying to access childcare, education, and workforce supports. Prior to the initiative, only 42% of approximately 16,000 applicants received childcare subsidies.
Through the CAPS Student Parent 2Gen Pilot, a partnership between the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and the Technical College System of Georgia, families can access coordinated services through a "no wrong door" approach. Embedded consultants help connect student parents to childcare, educational opportunities, and workforce resources through a streamlined support system.
Strengthening Family Engagement in Juvenile Justice
Family participation in juvenile justice processes was historically limited, with meetings often scheduled during standard work hours and few opportunities for caregiver involvement.
In response, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice introduced evening and weekend meeting options, established a Family Advisory Council, and implemented family-centered training practices to better engage caregivers in decision-making and reentry planning.
Preserving Family Connections During Incarceration
Families impacted by incarceration often lack guidance on maintaining healthy parent-child relationships and understanding caregiver rights.
To address this gap, the Barton Toolkit was developed to provide practical resources for parents, grandparents, and caregivers navigating incarceration-related challenges and preserving family connections.
Embedding Family Voice Across State Agencies
Many agencies previously lacked formal structures for incorporating family perspectives into policy and program development.
Today, multiple state agencies have established family advisory councils and adopted the statewide Family Voice Toolkit developed through the Georgia 2Gen Academy to strengthen family engagement and accountability.
Building Long-Term Systems Change
The Georgia 2Gen Academy continues to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and advance family-centered systems across Georgia. The Academy's long-term impact is further supported through sustained partnerships and philanthropic investment, including $750,000 in funding over three years to expand and strengthen Georgia's 2Gen efforts statewide.