Youth and America's future: the forgotten half

The William T. Grant Foundation's Commission on Youth and America's Future was created to review existing research on problems facing young people in America today, and to make policy recommendations based upon the results of that research. The Commission found that fewer economic opportunities are available today, especially to non-college-bound young people, than was the case even a decade ago. This situation has had an adverse effect on the youths themselves, their families, and ultimately, on American society as a whole. Many problem behaviors have their origin in the reduced opportunities which young people face today. The Commission cites a number of programs that show promise to ameliorate behavioral and economic problems of youth, and urges government, business, and other private agencies to join together in implementing and expanding existing programs (such as the Job Training Partnership Program) and in creating new ones (such as the Youth Opportunities Demonstration Act). Society needs to recognize the important role which youth can play as good citizens by providing opportunities for them to give needed services to the community.