Twenty years ago, even as manufacturing jobs moved offshore, young people could still gain a foothold in the workforce through neighborhood stores and restaurants. Over the past decade, youth could find a career track in construction, fueled by the housing boom. In today's economy, the options seem to have disappeared, and America's young people stand last in line for jobs.

This KIDS COUNT policy report suggests that business, government, philanthropy and communities must come together to create opportunities and build a stronger workforce for the future. Now is the time to undertake a flexible, focused and nimble approach to strengthen our systems and create new opportunities for disconnected youth.

Read Time: Long, 20 pages

Read the report PDF at The Annie E. Casey Foundation