Why Municipal Leaders Make Reengaging Disconnected Youth a City Priority

Disconnected youth are those ages 16-24 who are unemployed, high school dropouts, transitioning from foster care, or involved in the justice system. They pose both a significant challenge and a great asset to cities and towns across the country.

Mayors, councilmembers, city managers, and other municipal leaders increasingly recognize that they have a vested interest in helping disconnected youth get their lives onto a positive path. By reconnecting these young people to education, job training, and other vital services, cities can build a stronger base for future economic growth while also making their communities safer and their neighborhoods stronger and more stable.

The biggest challenge often lies in the fact that no one agency or public system can typically address the multiple obstacles facing disconnected youth. Collaboration between city, school, county, and state agencies and nonprofit organziations that interact with these youth on a daily basis is essential to ensure that young people are being connected to necessary opportunities and supports, rather than falling through the cracks.