YMCAs are a top employer of young people – many young people experience their first job or volunteer position at the Y. Yet the pandemic has increased barriers for youth, particularly those who are marginalized, preventing them from connecting to the opportunities they need to succeed.
During the pandemic, the NEET rate for young people (i.e. the number of young people not in education, employment or training) rose to a generational high of 24%. New resources are required to help these young people connect to the opportunities they need to navigate life transitions successfully.
- Recommendations
- Invest in experiential learning, leadership opportunities and mental health supports: Not all young people thrive in traditional schooling. Experiences outside of the classroom can help young people to flourish by building confidence, fostering leadership and improving mental health. Apprenticeships, co-ops, experiential learning and mental wellness programs are all valuable ways for young people to grow and advance.
- Invest in experiential learning and leadership opportunities: Not all young people thrive in traditional schooling. Experiences outside of the classroom can help young people to flourish by building confidence and fostering leadership. Apprenticeships, co-ops, experiential learning and leadership programs are all valuable ways for young people to grow and advance.
FACT:
The education, employment, health and well-being of young people has suffered tremendously during the pandemic – with marginalized youth facing the most adverse effects. This includes youth living in both rural and urban areas who are Indigenous, refugees, racialized, from an ethnic minority group, disabled and 2SLGBTQIA+.
Community organizations can provide marginalized young people with the opportunities they need to succeed during a critical stage of their lives.