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Report/Research

Connecting Opportunity Youth to Postsecondary Credentials and Careers

February 6, 2020

At a Glance

Today, 4.5 million young adults ages 16 to 24 are out of school and unemployed. Often referred to as “opportunity youth,” they face significant barriers in the labor market. Policymakers must learn from proven college and career pathways models and craft effective policies to help opportunity youth succeed in education, skills training, and careers. This brief outlines key research findings and includes recommendations for designing the supports young people need.

This brief was made possible by generous support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The findings, conclusions, and recommendations presented in this report are those of JFF alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

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