NCJ Number
196007
Editor(s)
Samuel Halperin
Date Published
1998
Length
182 pages
Annotation
This report reviews what the Nation has accomplished for late-adolescents and young adults (especially ages 18-24) in the decade since the publication of the 1988 predecessor reports of the William T. Grant Foundation Commission on Work, Family, and Citizenship, "The Forgotten Half: Non-College Youth in America" and "The Forgotten Half: Pathways to Success for American Youth and Young Families."
Abstract
A review of demographic and economic data in the first chapter portrays a generally discouraging portrait of non-college youth "losing ground" on a host of indexes, although substantial gains are noted in educational aspirations and increased attainment. The second chapter reports on the shifting attitudes about the key forces that have affected the lives of non-college youth and young adults in the last decade. The author perceives the balance among important trends that are shifting toward the negative in education, governmental responses, moral values, and public attitudes toward youth. The third chapter examines how conditions and circumstances have changed for the American family in the past 10 years and suggests some policy changes that can strengthen young families. Other chapters express encouragement about new and innovative youth-focused initiatives, review school reform efforts, promote postsecondary educational attainment as the key to success for many non-college youth, and assess efforts of educational systems to prepare youth for the world of work. Other issues discussed are service opportunities for youth, youth development, and what can be expected for youth in the years ahead. Chapter notes