Survey: Youth employment crisis being ignored

Is enough being done about the youth employment crisis?

Youth Advocates Say No!

 

Washington, DC (BlackNews.com) — A recent survey of almost 300 youth workforce development professionals from across the U.S. indicates that not enough is being done about the current youth employment crisis.

Few people give significant attention to the results of surveys, however, when almost 90% of people who work in or are associated with youth programs rate youth employment advocacy efforts unsatisfactory, it is glaringly obvious that there needs to be some sort of change.

The survey, conducted by EDSC, a national youth employment consulting firm, was developed in response to the alarmingly high youth unemployment rate, especially among young African American males. Most recent unemployment figures show African American joblessness at 16.2 percent. For black males, it’s at 17.5 percent. And for black teens, it’s nearly 41 percent.

The youth relying on these programs for help getting jobs are being shortchanged. There is no national call for action on this issue and the programs that serve them are not ringing the alarm.

Although survey respondents cite lack of resources for advocacy and lack of leadership as barriers to resolving this crisis, getting the public concerned topped the list. “This issue is not a major concern to your average American citizen,” states report author, Edward DeJesus. “There must be a national effort to change public and private perception about unemployed youth and the promise that employment brings to their lives.”

The full survey report can be viewed online at the following URL: http://tinyurl.com/3oyzfv9

About EDSC

EDSC conducts research on effective practices and policies associated with the provision of services for at-risk youth. Through qualitative and quantitative methods, YDRF identifies and disseminates information on how to effectively provide young adults with viable education, employment and developmental opportunities.

To contact Edward:  e-mail: edscinfo@gmail.com or vist www.edwarddejesus.com