Young Women of Color and Low-Wage Work

This fact sheets outlines a key structural barrier experienced by young women of color: low-wage work.

Young Men and Women of Color

Our Ground, Our Voices

Oct 9, 2018 | Report/Brief | Kisha Bird

Unjustice: Overcoming Trump's Rollbacks on Youth Justice

Dec 7, 2017 | Report/Brief | Kisha Bird

Forgotten and Left Behind: Shifting Narratives and Exploring Policy Solutions for Vulnerable Youth and Young Adults

Young people who have early work experience are more likely to finish school, work consistently throughout adulthood, and earn higher wages. However, low-income youth (particularly youth of color) have limited access to social networks and opportunities like summer and year-round employment that help them understand the world of work, earn decent wages, and master work readiness skills. That’s why CLASP helps states and communities leverage the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, as well as other education and training policies, to help low-income youth access employment and training.

Featured Expert:

Kisha Bird

Director of Youth Policy

Youth Employment

New from CLASP

November 5, 2018 | Blog Post | Youth and Young Adults

Advancing Youth Enrollment Act would help 5.7 million uninsured young adults gain coverage

October 16, 2018 | News Clip | Youth and Young Adults

Help offered for Atlanta area young people out of school, out of hope

July 12, 2018 | News Clip | Youth Employment

Let's Talk Youth Employment In New Mexico

June 27, 2018 | Blog Post | Workforce Development

Senate CTE Bill: Modest Improvements for Low-Income Students, Students of Color

March 1, 2018 | News Clip | Youth Employment

Students gain workforce skills through part-time jobs

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) governs federal workforce training programs. Under WIOA, states are required to spend 75 percent of funds on out-of-school youth. That's a significant increase over the previous law. States should seize the moment to develop innovative programs that help young people succeed economically.

WIOA Game Plan for Low-Income People