A project of The George Washington University Contact us at [email protected]

Young and out of work

Young people are hit hard by unemployment, posting jobless figures way higher than the national average. And few can collect unemployment.

We’ve told you before about the racial disparities that exist in unemployment. Today, we’re looking at age – specifically how unemployment is particularly rough on the young.

The unemployment rate for those 20 to 24 years old stood at 14.4 percent at the end of 2011, when the national rate was 8.5 percent.

And very few of these young jobless folks collect unemployment – about 1 in 10. Many are disqualified at the state level because they are recent graduates or because they left work to attend school.

We have a video today with more on the challenges for young job hunters. Please watch it, and read “What Do Others Say?” for more views. Then add to the discussion below. Why is it so hard for young people to get jobs? 

What do others say?

  • : Manhattan Institute for Policy Research: “The unemployment crisis for younger workers” More

  • : Marketwatch: “How to keep the young unemployed” More

  • : Economic Policy Institute: “The class of 2011: Young workers face a dire labor market without a safety net” More

Show more
To suggest an addition, contact the [email protected]
comments powered by Disqus

Recent Facts

In Association With