Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, youth unemployment has spiked dramatically, and the ensuing economic fallout has widened the longstanding employment gap between young people and the rest of the working population. To better understand young people’s experiences navigating these challenges, the Center for Promise at America’s Promise Alliance surveyed more than 3,500 people aged 16-24 about their professional journeys over the past year. This report outlines major findings from the study related to young people’s experiences navigating the world of work during this complex time, the ways in which COVID-19 has affected their work experiences, and the role that racism and discrimination have played in their career trajectories. The report also includes several implications for policy and practice as the nation begins a collective effort toward economic recovery.