A new study reveals that 15 percent of youth aged 16 to 24 are out of both school and work, an issue that’s tarnishing the once-realistic goal of achieving the “American Dream.”
The report, published by the Opportunity Nation Coalition, indicates young workers are missing out on opportunities to build skills early on in their careers, which could set in motion a negative trend as the generation ages.
According to the organization’s research, 6 million young adults are sitting idle, attending neither school nor work.
“The success or failure of young adults creates a ripple effect across every aspect of community life,” the Opportunity Nation Coalition states on its website. ”For example, Opportunity Index research reveals the percentage of young adults engaged in school and work is one of the most important influences on a state’s Opportunity Score. If more young adults are on career pathways, the overall community is more likely to achieve economic mobility and security.”
That Opportunity Index uses 16 factors to determine the likelihood for success within any given community, looking at public safety, income inequality, access to technology and graduation rates. These factors, according to the Coalition, have an impact on whether young people succeed or fall behind.
The downfall of American youth coincides with statistics relating to average household income, with 49 states reporting a rise in the number of families living in poverty. Forty-five states have seen median incomes decline from last year.
In terms of state rankings, the Coalition claims there are some states are doing it right. Topping the list are Minnesota, North Dakota and Vermont. Those in most need of improvement include Mississippi, Nevada and New Mexico.
While the report painted a dismal picture for today’s youth, it also came along with solutions aimed at reaching out to youth who are falling between the cracks. Included in the list of solutions are programs aimed at companies, which would create a connection between disadvantaged youth and employers.
Also on the list is congressional action through the renewal of the Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. The Coalition is calling on the next Congress to include provisions that would better enhance collaboration among schools and industry.
“This is not a group that we can write off. They just need a chance,” Mark Edwards, executive director of the Opportunity Nation Coalition, told the Associated Press. “The tendency is to see them as lost souls and see them as unsavable. They are not.”