Why We Can’t Wait: A Youth Data Portrait on Economic Justice 2023

#WhyWeStillCantWait Youth Data Update 2023 on Economic Justice with a quote that says: “We’re not supported in this capitalist system.” Andre Simms, ND4Y Changemaker and the background includes an image of advocates on Capitol Hill including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

 

 

A graphic that includes the text: The young adult federal poverty level (FPL) increased to 15.3% in 2022 - the highest level since 2017. That’s more than half a million more young people living in poverty in 2022 than in 2021, along with data that shows how youth poverty is increasing over the last 4 years.

 

 

The Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) recalculates the poverty rate taking into account certain public benefits. The difference between the federal poverty level (FPL) and the SPM estimates to what degree public benefits lifted people out of poverty. Investments by the federal government did not reduce poverty for any group of young people in 2022. In fact, the young adult poverty rate INCREASED when taking public benefits into account.

 

 

The reductions in poverty experienced by young people of color because of federal investments in 2021 were COMPLETELY ERASED in 2022, with more than 1 in 5 young adults of color living in poverty.

 

 

Although the overall unemployment rate in 2023 has remained at pre-pandemic levels, the youth unemployment rate remains higher than the rate in February 2020 and unchanged from July 2022.

 

 

The economic recovery has maintained or expanded inequities in youth unemployment.

 

 

more than half of young people reported any difficulty meeting household expenses in July of 2023.

 

 

support creating a Youth and Young adult Development and Economic Opportunity System System — which would increase youth programs and economic opportunities in historically disadvantaged communities.

 

 

1 in 4 likely voters ages 18-29 believes that youth employment for all young people who want a job should be a high priority for federal policymakers, compared to 1 in 6 likely voters overall.

 

>>Return to full Youth Data Portrait

>> Learn more about the New Deal for Youth