One Year Later

A year ago, Congress passed and the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), providing much-needed money to help communities across the country, including investments in programs that serve disconnected youth - ages 16-24, out of school, and out of work. The funds allowed existing programs across the country to continue or expand job training, and employment and education services.
 
For a population of young people falling behind - often living in poverty or being idle with no social and community supports to reconnect them to the mainstream - this investment in their future made all the difference.  They were able to complete apprenticeships, learn on-the-job skills, and take important steps toward continuing and higher education.
 
This was an important investment, but there are still many more young people who would benefit from these services and supports.
 
We are now seeing the signs of economic recovery, but as predicted job growth is lagging behind other economic indicators.  And disconnected youth are competing with older, more experienced workers for a limited number of jobs. It's not getting any easier for young Americans, and this is precisely the time they need another round of support.
 
Sign on to the Campaign for Youth National Investment Strategy, or add your support to legislation that would aid America's disconnected youth.