State Opportunities for Reconnecting Young Adults to Education, Skills Training and Employment

Abstract

"An alarmingly large number of young adults have disconnected from traditional education or skills training pathways, often without obtaining a basic high school credential. The research is clear: the longer a person is without a high school credential or without the skill training necessary for a family-sustaining wage, the more likely that individual will remain in poverty and be a significant consumer of public welfare and social services" (p.1). In addressing this problem, the brief describes the issue, which millions of out-of-school young adults face and which can lead to negative consequences for them as well as society at large; explains several federally authorized programs that impact the reconnection of young adults to education and training; outlines possible state tools for reconnecting young adults to education and skills training; and provides recommendations for state-level engagement