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In October 2009, the unemployment rate for teenagers in the labor force stood at 27.6 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Even more striking is the fact that only 36.2 percent of teenagers worked, the lowest number since record keeping began in 1948. Granted, many teenagers are furthering their education and are not counted as working, but as George Miller, the chairman of the House Committee on Education and Labor, said according to CNNMoney.com after the report was released: “More needs to be done to help young workers find meaningful employment.”
The current recession has made the situation even more pertinent. If thousands of teenagers do not gain any work experience and training now, but sit in front of the television all day, it will be harder for them to be integrated into the workforce once economic conditions improve. The leaders of the United States have to act before an entire generation is disconnected from the economy.
This can certainly be a challenging task, especially in a time of constrained government budgets. However, many initiatives would not cost more of the taxpayer’s money.
High schools could offer more technical courses, enabling students to gain hands-on experience. Those students planning to go to college have the opportunity to choose advance placement classes, which offer college credits, so those students planning to join the work force should have the chance to take courses in manufacturing or repair. Instead of school systems financing these courses alone, local businesses and companies could team up with schools to offer these courses. This also would give students the ability to connect with possible future employers.
Another way to increase teen employment opportunities is to inspire them again. Youth have to understand that a job is not only a chore, but can also be a fulfilling element in life. But they will only understand if their parents and teachers act as brokers and offer not only knowledge, but also dreams. Civic organizations should make internships and service projects more attractive than flipping burgers at the fast food joint, if needed through financial incentives.
Youth, who cannot find a job for several months, should also be encouraged to further their education, so that after two years of community college they are able to compete in the job market. During this recession governments and schools offer incentives for unemployed workers in their forties and fifties to return to college, maybe that money would be better invested in teens.
Only actions by the country’s leadership can show those teenagers struggling the most during this recession, that they are not forgotten and that the future is not their couch, but an office chair or a truck driver’s seat.
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