Young and Unemployed

I encourage you to read this piece at Brookings on the more than 2 million young people in the United States who are not attending school and are unemployed. In the piece they profile five different subgroups. They are 17% of the total youth population. They are disproportionately black or Hispanic. Many are poor.

2 comments… add one
  • Guarneri Link

    In perspective, given that today’s community college is similar to yesterday’s high school, roughly 80% of these people have a high school education or less. Hence the duration meme. I think that’s wrongheaded for all but a few. Rather, it speaks to the trades.

    Down here that largely means plumbers, electricians, roofers and brick/cement masons. Even dry wallers. You can do well. If you are enterprising you even end up with your own small business. Some guys even make it as general fixit men.

    If you are doing nails in a salon or sorting tomatoes in a packer not so much. It’s tough for women. Lots of retail, hospitality and clerking. I’m not sure what to do there.

  • Guarneri Link

    Education, not duration.

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