This report guides implementation of Purpose First, Complete College America's (CCA's) strategy that creates a "missing link" between career choice, guided pathways, and first-year momentum. This report lays out the components of a Purpose First experience focused on helping students explore interests and careers, make informed choices and hit early benchmarks toward on-time graduation. It also features findings from a three-year demonstration project supported by Strada Education Network. Building on CCA's work focused on guided pathways and informed choice, the Purpose First strategy envisions a redesigned institutional structure that provides students with early opportunities to identify their interests, explore possible careers and review labor market data and other relevant information to inform their decision-making. This report offers institutions best practices for successful implementation of Purpose First across five key areas: (1) Institutional Culture; (2) Recruiting, Admissions & Onboarding; (3) Career Exploration; (4) Academic Structures; and (5) The First Year & Beyond.