The Reconnecting Youth Campaign

The Reconnecting Youth Campaign calls on Congress to invest in America’s future by funding 1 million pathways to education, training, national service and employment opportunities for Opportunity Youth, 16- to 24- year-olds who are not in school or work.

It’s time to unleash America’s limitless potential.

Studies show that Opportunity Youth are eager and ready for opportunities to engage in the workforce. When Congress invests in proven pathways for young people in our communities, we all benefit.

Young people looking at a city skyline

In the United States,

4.8 million

young people ages 16 to 24 are not in school or the workforce.

Young people looking at a computer

That’s an average of

11,000

young people in every Congressional District.

Two people hugging

1 million

We can reconnect

Opportunity Youth every year if Congress acts.

Join the Reconnecting Youth Campaign

Together we can unleash America’s potential.

What does the data show?

Reconnecting opportunity youth strengthens communities

Decades of research show that investing in Opportunity Youth reduces persistent poverty, increases civic engagement and boosts health, education and career outcomes in our communities.

Reconnecting opportunity youth is good for business

Businesses that invest in hiring and training Opportunity Youth report that they outperform other entry-level employees, including lower interview-to-hire ratios, higher retention rates, higher job performance scores and faster promotion rates.

Opportunity youth are ready to engage

Opportunity Youth represent limitless potential for themselves, their families and our communities.