Communities across the country are engaged in collaborative efforts to help young people learn and develop other important skills and competencies they need to succeed, now and throughout life. Many of the efforts are centered on schools. Linking the coordination and integration of community services to schools stands to benefit young people in several ways. By offering a wide variety of school-linked services and supports to children and their families, communities can help overcome non-academic barriers to learning. Services and supports offered at or near schools can also provide new avenues for parent participation in children's learning and in the life of the school.