OUR WORLD this year LANDSCAPE OVERVIEW

While 2022 welcomed some shifts back to pre-pandemic norms, it also welcomed new, permanent changes in the workforce and in the world at large. Young people have been required to adapt and learn even more than generations before, all while continuing to face systemic issues that persist in our communities.

Youth employment continues to be an important force in the lives of youth by providing additional household income, keeping youth disconnected from the criminal justice system, and improving mental health and education outcomes. However, most importantly, it helps set up young people for success by teaching the most critical skills to assist with seeking and engaging in future employment.

Much of the world has gone digital, creating both open doors and extra limitations. Providing spaces and opportunities for young people to learn financial literacy, digital literacy, and other critical workforce skills is necessary to ensure success for Philadelphians growing into the world of work.

Young people in Philadelphia have continued to persevere, and PYN has continued to pioneer the youth employment landscape to match their tenacity by equipping them with the tools to succeed.

The realities of youth employment

– 2020 –56.2% 46.7%

– 2019 –

Employment for young people ages 16-24 improved from 2021 but was still shy of pre-pandemic levels (Labor Statistics Bureau)