Conversations with Young People: Employment during COVID-19
COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the nation’s employment landscape, and young people are at particular risk. They’re often the first to be let go, the last to be hired, and major employers of young people—including the food service and hospitality industries—are significantly impacted by the pandemic. The YES Project has been speaking with young people representing various stages of education and employment to learn firsthand about their job experiences during COVID-19 and their advice for how decision makers can support them at this unprecedented time.
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.
Beyond these alarming numbers, youth employment matters:
- It strengthens young people’s confidence and ties to the labor market;
- Sets young individuals on a secure and fulfilling career pathway; and
- Adds a broader pool of talent to the workforce and boosts the economy.
That’s why the YES (Young, Employed, Successful) Project, a national initiative launched by America’s Promise Alliance, was created to support and grow our youth workforce so that every young person seeking a job can find a job.
To tackle this ambitious goal, the YES Project teamed up with nonprofits, researchers, and employers and landed on three conditions for success: ready, connected, and supported (RCS). The RCS framework is the backbone of the YES Project and serves as a consensus point for everyone– from public officials, community leaders and young people themselves – to drive action towards increasing youth employment.
The YES project is driven by these three activities:
Ready, Connected, Supported Framework
Ready, Connected, and Supported is the guiding force behind the YES Project, uniting all stakeholders behind this shared vision to help young people achieve workplace success and career development.
Action Round Table
Communities across the country are putting the ready, connected, and supported framework into action. Check out what’s happening in these four communities to help young people gain meaningful employment
#PledgeYES
Commit today to help young people access career opportunities by expanding their network, giving advice on the job search and interview process, and providing support before, during, and after employment.
Four Opportunity Youth Forum Communities were selected to join the YES Project’s Action Roundtable cohort. Action Roundtables consist of communities working to improve youth employment outcomes by convening diverse stakeholders and moving them towards action. Cohort members contribute to existing youth employment systems, assist with youth job placement, and/or create pathways for youth employment.
To learn more about the Action Roundtables, check as out our key takeaways document below that touches on key themes of the gatherings to enhance collective understanding about what it takes for communities to work together to connect young people to employment opportunities. Below, you'll also find APA's own Fito Akinrade's blog about her experience with each of the communities. These lessons will inform the YES Project’s ongoing work, including its second series of Action Roundtables with new grantees.
The Los Angeles Opportunity Youth Collaborative
Thrive Chicago
Capital Workforce Partners
Ancestral Lands Hopi Program
#PledgeYES and stay connected with the campaign
I #PledgeYES to do my part to ensure young people — outside of my network — are ready to enter the workforce with confidence; connected to the networks, relationships, and resources needed to access new opportunities; and supported with the training, coaching, and skills needed to excel.
I am committing to:
- Connect young people with employment opportunities and valuable contacts;
- Give advice on the job search and interview process; and
- Provide support to young people after employment.
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The Corporation for Public Broadcasting
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) was created by Congress in 1967 to steward our nation’s investment in a public media system that serves all Americans with informational, educational and enriching content. CPB supports more than 1,500 public television and radio stations that play an essential role in education, public safety and civic leadership in communities across America.
Building on public broadcasting’s reputation as a trusted media provider and community convener, CPB launched the American Graduate initiative in 2011 to help young people succeed in school, career and life. Today, COVID-19 is complicating their ability to complete high school with the educational experiences and skills they need to pursue higher education or enter an increasingly uncertain workforce. They need support as they navigate educational opportunities and build in-demand skills to start their careers.
From PBS NewsHour and FRONTLINE to Connecticut Public’s Making the Future to Ohio stations’ Career Path Less Taken, national producers and local public media stations are highlighting challenges students face in graduating high school and pursuing high-demand careers. Other stations such as Idaho Public Television and Vegas PBS highlight local career opportunities, apprenticeship programs, job fairs and provide resources that are valuable to youth and young adults. In addition, Kentucky Educational Television (KET) offers Workplace Essential Skills, an instructional series tailored to meet the hiring requirements for major industries, while a new digital series called Career Hacks, from GBH in Boston, offers tips and advice for navigating careers during COVID-19.
The YES Project is possible thanks to the generous support of AT&T, Citi Foundation and State Farm.
The Steering Commitee for the YES Project can be found here.