As we approach the end of October, with most families settled into their back-to-school routines, it is a good time for leaders in all sectors to be thinking about ways to address the staggering number of young people – estimated at around 5.5 million between the ages of 16 and 25 – who are not connected to school or to work. These chronically disconnected youth represent an enormous loss of opportunity for our nation. The consequences of not helping them are immediate and pressing, and they will continue to reverberate both socially and economically for years to come.
Thus, CSW is excited to be participating in the Annual Fall Convening of the Aspen’s Institute’s Opportunity Youth Forum this week in Aspen Colorado. A key goal of the convening is to share successful methods and build momentum for national efforts around this cause. We are pleased to be bringing one of our recent research reports to bear on the discussion: Employing Opportunity Youth: Recognizing and Reinforcing the Business Case. Click here to read an executive summary, or the link above to read the full report.
Researched and written by CSW’s Steve Bennett and Katie Hall, the report provides an excellent overview of the reasons for youth disconnection, and it provides examples of model programs that are addressing the issues surrounding Opportunity Youth with great success. As well, the report includes a set of recommendations for connecting these youth to employment and employers to these youth.
Ironically, there are around 4.5 million unfilled jobs in the United States, many of which do not require a four-year degree. For employers looking to fill these jobs, young, motivated workers are a vital and untapped resource. Many employers have already started building opportunity youth pipelines; and many cities and states are recognizing the need to address the issue through a collective action approach. Steve and Katie’s report provides practical ideas for building on these successful approaches.
As we are finding throughout CSW’s work, a key narrative in our Opportunity Youth report centers on the need for a more aligned and effective workforce system, one which brings together key actors and player from all sectors to work together towards a shared vision, common goals, and mutually agreed upon metrics of success.
Employing Opportunity Youth: Recognizing and Reinforcing the Business Case, builds on CSW’s long history of working with organizations across the United States to develop resilient communities by strengthening education and job opportunities for young people, especially those who are most vulnerable. We are excited to be part of the movement committed to lifting up the lives of Opportunity Youth, and connecting them to good jobs with a future.
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