The current state of youth (un)employment speaks for itself: 1.8 million young Americans (ages 16-24) want to work, are actively searching, yet still can’t find a job. This means that the unemployment rate for young people is more than double the national unemployment rate.

For young people, connecting to the world of work during this important period can strengthen their confidence and ties to the labor market and set them on a secure and fulfilling career pathway. Focusing on young people in the workforce is also a win for employers, who can tap into a broader pool of talent. Tackling youth unemployment also benefits the economy and society—broadening the tax base, boosting spending power, and reducing financial reliance on families and government programs.

That’s why the YES Project: Young, Employed, Successful —a national youth employment campaign launched by READY CONNECTED SUPPORTED: Becoming Young. Employed. Successful. America’s Promise Alliance—is working to support and grow our youth workforce so that every young person seeking a job can find a job.

To set the foundation for the YES project, this initiative teamed up with nonprofits, researchers, and employers to articulate just what young people need to succeed in the workplace. This collective effort pinpointed three conditions for workplace success and career development: readiness, connection, and ongoing support.