In Colorado and nationwide, young adults are experiencing extremely high rates of unemployment, poverty and debt.

As of October 2023:

Nationwide unemployment rates for recent high school graduates ages 16 – 24 not enrolled in college is 17.8% compared to the national average of 4.2% (bls.gov)

The Colorado unemployment rate of individuals 16 – 24 years old is 8.8% compared to adults 25 – 64 years old at 2.3% (bls.gov).

Even worse, in Colorado 19% of 18 – 24 year olds are living in poverty statewide (in Denver it is even higher at 23%) compared to the state average of 9.4% (Kids Count Data Center). 

In addition, Americans currently owe an astronomical $1.7+ trillion in federal and private student loan debt.

Whether unemployed, living in poverty or drowning in debt, young adults in this country are struggling economically at staggering rates. It’s time to implement new solutions and different interventions to reverse this very concerning trend.