I recently visited a fast food restaurant and was surprised to find that all the people at the cash register and cleaning the dining room were my age or only a few years younger (some even older). There was not a single teenager working there.
The Casey Foundation reports (click to see report) that as of 2011 there were 6.5 million teens and young adults that were neither in school or in the workforce in the U.S. Employment for youth in the U.S. is at its lowest level since the 1950s. Only 25% of 16-19 year olds are employed (it was 46% just 13 years ago) and only 60% of 20-24 year olds are employed (a 40% unemployment rate as compared to the national average of 8%). More experienced workers are taking jobs traditionally held by teens. More often your burger and fries are being served by someone with prior work experience and older than 24 years of age.
Youth unemployment numbers are staggering when you consider the long term costs. Those who have experienced unemployment at an early age are more likely to face future unemployment, lower earning potential and lower career advancement. In essence youth unemployment can keep poor youth poor and may even drive youth on the edge to poverty in their adult years. These bring costs to the community in lost potential and greater use of public services. The picture looks even bleaker as federal funding issues due to sequestration may put funding to local youth programs at risk.
Although employment opportunities fell significantly for all young people, the ones who struggle the most have less education, come from low income families and belong to a racial or ethnic minority. Fewer than 1 in 6 black and Asian teenagers and 1 in 5 Hispanic teens were employed in 2011, with ratios even worse for black and Asian males.
The U.S. already lags behind most other Industrialized nations in academic achievement. Are we dooming ourselves to lose even more potential by putting 60-75% of our future workforce at risk?
I met a young man who was on a risky path with drug and gang involvement. He joined a youth program where I was working and found his niche. He worked hard and got paid for his labor. He found friends and he learned work skills (showing up on time, being prepared, communicating respectfully). He graduated from high school and was able to go to a local college and get a job. That young man attributed his success to the youth program. Really, the program just provided a supportive and nurturing platform for him to realize his potential.
The Casey Foundation says that young people need multiple and flexible pathways to success that combine education, training, supportive services and strong relationships with adults. Young people’s brains are still developing into early adulthood and need positive work experiences in order to develop the self management skills necessary to be successful in the workforce. In addition, young people who have an adult they can identify as a mentor are more likely to be successful in life.
There are programs and organizations that address the issue of youth unemployment. However they are poorly funded and not far reaching. Every community needs to engage their youth in workforce development using a combination of business, nonprofit and public expertise and funding. The models for success exist. It just takes the willingness of a community to put the welfare of its young people at the top of their to do list.
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