Refers to approaches that support both children and their parents or caregivers at the same time, rather than focusing on only children or adults.  2Gen programs work with the whole family to connect services like education, job training, childcare, health, and financial support to meet the needs of both generations, bringing together different programs and organizations to work as a team for families. 2Gen programs typically involve families in designing programs that affect them.

Examples of programs:

• CAP Tulsa (Oklahoma)
  • A Head Start program that serves children from low-income families while also supporting parents.
  • Children receive high-quality early childhood education.
  • Parents are offered GED classes, job training, career coaching, and parenting support.
  • Services are coordinated so that while children are in school, parents can pursue education or employment goals.
• Jeremiah Program (in multiple U.S. cities)
  • A national nonprofit that supports single mothers and their children through education and career pathways.
  • Mothers receive support for college education, career readiness, life skills, and housing.
  • Children receive early childhood education in the same building where moms attend classes.
  • The program builds social capital through peer support and mentorship.
• Garrett County Community Action Committee (Maryland)
  • A rural community action agency that uses a 2Gen model to deliver services across family needs.
  • Families work with a navigator to develop a whole-family success plan.
  • Services include childcare, housing, transportation, employment training, and financial education.
  • Parents and children have shared goals and milestones that guide their support journey.

While there is no single federal 2Gen policy, multiple federal programs provide funding and flexibility to support 2Gen approaches:

• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) - gives states flexibility to design programs that can incorporate 2Gen models—supporting both workforce development for adults and early education or childcare for children. Some states have used TANF funds to pilot 2Gen demonstration projects (e.g., Colorado and Connecticut).
• Head Start / Early Head Start - While focused on child development, these programs also support parental involvement, family goal setting, and access to job training, which aligns with 2Gen principles.
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) - Supports career pathways and wraparound services that can be adapted to support parents while coordinating with services for their children. Some local workforce boards have also adopted 2Gen-informed planning and service delivery.
• Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) - Uses a family-centered model that provides services to both parents and young children, aligning closely with 2Gen goals.

A growing number of states are adopting formal 2Gen frameworks, passing legislation, and running pilot projects. Efforts often include cross-agency coordination, shared family goals, and a focus on equity and systems change:

• Colorado – In 2015, the Colorado Office of Economic Security adopted a formal 2Gen framework across its human services agencies. The state issued a 2Gen Policy Framework to guide state and local implementation.
• Connecticut - Created a Two-Generational Interagency Working Group and pilot programs in several communities with legislative support. Also passed Public Act 15-142, which established the state’s 2Gen initiative focused on integrating education, workforce, and family services.
• Utah - The Intergenerational Poverty Initiative, launched in 2012, applies a 2Gen lens to reduce poverty through cross-agency collaboration. This requires annual reporting to track outcomes for both children and parents.

See Topic: Two-Generation Approach (2Gen Approach) | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library

See Glossary Term: Students Who Are Parents | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library