Finding a Way Forward: Young People’s Experiences Navigating the World of Work presents findings from a new qualitative study that explores specific questions about work and careers from the perspectives of 65 young adult participants in five career pathways programs across the country.  

Grounded in the key components of the YES Project’s Ready, Connected, Supported framework, this report provides a glimpse into young people’s perceptions of their career journeys amidst today’s changing employment landscape—specifically those young people who represent groups often excluded from policy conversations: young people of color, those whose families have immigrated to the United States in search of new opportunities, and those from economically disadvantaged and working-class backgrounds. By elevating young people’s perspectives, this report aims to expand understanding of the most important components of early career development in ways that can inform youth-centered research, policy, and practice.

Executive Summary