Result: Youth are Prepared to Succeed as Adults

Preparing all youth for a successful transition to adulthood is both a key responsibility and an important investment for policymakers. Creating opportunities for young people to grow into thriving adults will increase the well-being of the next generation, and ultimately translate into savings for taxpayers. When young people become disconnected, policymakers in every state are forced to deal with a range of costly consequences that both threaten individual futures and result in soaring public expenditures. Youth without opportunities or a connection to their communities may engage in negative behaviors including substance abuse, delinquency, risky sexual behavior and dropping out of high school. Alternatively, young people with a clear sense of identity, a positive sense of self-worth and opportunities to achieve are likely to be successful.

What are the Key Elements of Preparing Youth to Succeed As Adults?

A successful transition to adulthood for all young people requires:

• Connection to caring, supportive adults. 

• Opportunities to maintain steady full-time employment or engage in educational training that will create career pathways.

• High school diploma or GED attainment.

• Opportunities for post-secondary education attainment. 

• Positive membership in their community.

• Options for safe, stable and affordable housing.

• Access to health care (physical, mental and dental).

• Opportunities to access behavioral rehabilitation programs in their communities.

• Early education on family planning and safe reproductive behavior.