Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center - Job Training & Work Readiness

Finding Resources to Support Workforce Development Services for Youth

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 15:17:01 -0500

Workforce programs targeting youth (often after-school programs or vocational alternatives to education) can help the more than 5 million young people who are out of work and school get job skills, preparation for college and vocational training, and other critical supports. This report, originally published by the Finance Project in April and now online, looks at challenges for youth workforce programs, and offers best practices and ideas for innovation. It also highlights four funding strategies.

Gateway to College helps high school dropouts

Wed, 08 Jun 2005 14:03:49 -0500

CFK reports from: American Youth Policy Forum
Event: Presentation on the Gateway to College program at Portland Community College
Organized by: American Youth Policy Forum
Where/When: Washington, D.C., June 8, 2005

Portland Community College wants high school dropouts to continue their education—their higher education, that is.

Teen Employment Down

Mon, 22 May 2006 13:18:45 -0500

Some 274,000 jobs were created in April 2005, substantially more than experts had predicted. Still, younger workers are struggling amidst less-than-encouraging employment rates. A March 2005 report from the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University found that the teenage employment rate in the first 11 months of 2004—just 36.3 percent—was the lowest it has ever been since the federal government began tracking teenage employment in 1948. Young people ages 20-24 didn�t fare a whole lot better, either.

College Enrollment and Work Activity of 2004 High School Graduates

Tue, 17 May 2005 09:49:39 -0500

In 2005, College enrollment among high school grads has hit a near all-time high, and college-bound students fare far better in the job market, according to this Bureau of Labor Statistics report, released in May 2005. The unemployment rate for high school students (16.5 percent) was more than double that for college students (8.2 percent).

Remaking Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century

Tue, 17 May 2005 09:51:17 -0500

Basic questions about career and technical education are a big part of the policy debate on how to reform K-12 education, particularly high schools. This Jobs for the Future report summarizes what we know (and don't know) about the value of high school career-focused education—and it proposes a reform agenda for high school career and technical education. (Free registration required).

Helping Teens Decide What to Do After High School

Tue, 17 May 2005 09:47:03 -0500

KidsHealth offers some pointers for parents and educators on talking with teens about life after high school.

Federal Youth Coordination Act Press Conference

Fri, 25 Feb 2005 14:25:13 -0600

CFK reports from:Capitol Hill
Event: press conference announcing bipartisan support for Federal Youth Coordination Act
Organized by: The National Collaboration for Youth
Where/When: Washington, D.C., February 16, 2005

Today on Capitol Hill, the National Collaboration for Youth held a press conference to show support for the passage of the bipartisan Federal Youth Coordination Act of 2005.

Go to College? Get a Job? What Young Adults Say

Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:56:51 -0600

Most adults age 18 to 25 see college as a way to earn society's respect and ensure financial security, but many—particularly African-Americans and Hispanics—are forced to make compromises based on financial pressures. Others say they weren�t well prepared in high school, were influenced by low expectations at home, or were �lazy.� A new survey by Public Agenda finds that seven in 10 young workers without college degrees say they are in their jobs by chance, not by choice.

Report on Youth Employment Rates

Mon, 31 Jan 2005 09:11:37 -0600

A Congressional Budget Office analysis of youth labor market trends
won't be news to any teen who's tried to find a summer job in the past
couple of years. In the labor market downturn between 2000 and 2003,
young males have had a harder time getting a job than females, and
pressure from low-wage adults is squeezing teens out of workforce. The
report examines factors that may account for the trends, such as an

Helping Foster Youth Succeed

Sun, 22 Jun 2008 23:20:56 -0500

Too many children who go into foster care emerge years later with few skills, no high school diploma, and serious educational deficits. Letitia L. Star reports on a Chicago program that helps.

Building Pathways from School to Work

Fri, 03 Dec 2004 22:24:39 -0600

It's a complaint of high school students everywhere: "What good is all this stuff I'm studying going to do me when I'm done with school?" In the New Orleans area, educators and business people are working together to create a clearer connection between the worlds of school and work. Cecilia Garcia spoke with Susan Burge, a leader in the effort.

Looking For That First Paycheck

Tue, 23 May 2006 13:26:37 -0500

The summer job - it's the original, tried-and-true school-to-work program. Teen D'Nashia Jenkins recounts her job-hunting experience so far this summer, and tells what she's discovered about finding, getting and keeping a job. This story is reprinted from the June 2004 issue of New Youth Connections, a publication of Youth Communications.

Summer Job Outlook Daunting for Teenagers

Mon, 20 Dec 2004 15:00:26 -0600

Some communities are cutting summer programs for teens, at a time when summer jobs are harder to come by. The employment rate among teenagers and young adults dropped dramatically between 2000 and 2003, and was at its lowest level since the end of World War II, according to a study released in April by Northeastern University's Center for Market Studies. Education Week has the scoop.

Critical Connections

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:52:07 -0500

For many kids, the transition to adulthood is tumultuous. For others, it's downright dangerous - teens in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, teens with children, and those who don't finish high school. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's annual "Kids Count" data book looks how these kids are faring.

From the President - Make a Difference

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 13:40:33 -0500

This week, Kate Mattos, the president of our board of directors, considers the power we each hold to make a difference for kids.