@TechReport{iza:izadps:dp5050, author={Cunha, Flavio and Heckman, James J.}, title={Investing in Our Young People}, year={2010}, month={Jul}, institution={Institute of Labor Economics (IZA)}, address={Bonn}, type={IZA Discussion Paper}, number={5050}, url={https://www.iza.org/publications/dp5050}, abstract={This paper reviews the recent literature on the production of skills of young persons. The literature features the multiplicity of skills that explain success in a variety of life outcomes. Noncognitive skills play a fundamental role in successful lives. The dynamics of skill formation reveal the interplay of cognitive and noncognitive skills, and the presence of critical and sensitive periods in the life-cycle. We discuss the optimal timing of investment over the life-cycle.}, keywords={technology of skill formation;noncognitive skills;cognitive skills;skill formation;investment in children}, }