In the nation today, 4.6 million young adults ages 16 to 24 are out of school and unemployed. More than one-third live in poverty. For these young people, commonly referred to as opportunity youth, building skills and gaining work experience are key to upward mobility. However, they face significant barriers to entering the labor market.…

This report explores ways to implement ideas outlined by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) in a November 1992 policy statement. The CCSSO statement called for joint action by state and local agencies to prepare students for productive employment, healthful lifestyles, knowledgeable and contributing citizenship, strong family…