Thoughts:

How about this, for a big bold federal plan.

One idea that I am kicking around, is a voluntary 2 year service corps. That 18 year olds must fulfill to receive a totally free higher education. This corps, takes kids to new environments, meeting people that would otherwise be others, and does all kinds of service work.
Take some parts of the CCC, the Peace corps, update them.
Or of course join the military, and receive the same benefits.

Comments ?