News
Tracking the Class of 2023's First Year Outcomes
What happens to nearly 10,000 young people after they walk across the graduation stage can shape an entire region's economic future. As the class of 2023 from the KentuckianaWorks region completes their first year in the workforce, the data reveals both promising trends and concerning gaps that demand attention from educators, employers, and policymakers alike.
Louisville Region’s Labor Market: 2024 Highlights
The regional economy showed signs of softening in 2024. Higher interest rates set by the Federal Reserve achieved their intended purpose of slowing the economy to reduce inflation. The economy entered the current turbulent policy environment from an already weakened position. It has been especially difficult for people entering the labor market, particularly among young workers. Let’s review how the regional economy performed in 2024.
1-in-8 of the region's young people were disconnected from work and school in 2023
Last year, nearly 17,500 youth and young adults in the Kentuckiana region were not enrolled in school and not working. Disconnection from earning and learning opportunities during these pivotal young adult years is costly for young people, taxpayers, and economic growth. The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center works directly with the region’s opportunity youth.
A glimpse at recent high school graduates in the workforce
High school seniors are less likely to enroll in college than they were a decade ago. While postsecondary education tends to provide the most straightforward path to a good job, the other half of students not pursuing additional education could benefit from additional career services. The focus of this article is on the graduating class of 2022 who did not enroll in postsecondary within a year of graduation. After the Tassel aims to attract high school seniors who do not have immediate plans to attend college, and connect them to a good job upon graduation.
1-in-8 of Louisville's young people were disconnected from work and school in 2022
Last year, 17,500 of the Louisville region’s youth and young adults were not enrolled in school and not working. Youth disconnection is both serious and costly for young people and society itself. The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center works directly with the region’s opportunity youth.