The Urban Institute published this brief as part of a series of policy recommendations from a project called Building Ladders of Opportunity for Young People in the Great Lakes. This brief explores why the transition to adulthood matters, the challenges transitioning youth face, and how this population predicts the future economic success of the region, which includes parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The brief offers effective and promising strategies that leverage funding and partnerships to support improved outcomes for Great Lakes youth. (author abstract modified)