This white paper examines the roles that various levels of government play through legislation, policy, and other initiatives that support quality alternative education programs to reconnect youth to education and the workplace. It raises issues for policymakers at all levels to consider in facilitating the development of expanded alternative education pathways, which reduce the number of students dropping out of school and provide well-lit reentry points for those who leave school before obtaining a diploma. It provides an overview of policies and funding for alternative education at the Federal, state, and local levels and discusses issues of accountability, data collection, and assistance to providers. The paper raises concerns about fragmentation of services and proposes opportunities for strengthening the current system to better serve youth. Potential Federal Funding Sources for Alternative Education is appended.