With youth unemployment on the rise, innovative workforce development initiatives are emerging. The growing demand for infrastructure workers presents a distinctive chance to involve youth from historically underrepresented groups, addressing equity gaps and promoting a more inclusive economy. The intersection of federal funding for infrastructure and youth apprenticeships becomes a focal point for policy, providing a ripe opportunity to narrow equity divides, foster inclusive economies, and nurture a skilled talent pipeline for the future.

The youth-serving fields are made up of complex and dynamic relationships within and across systems. To create truly equitable opportunities for young people, leaders and systems need to collaborate to provide quality support, forming a multi-dimensional Youth Development Ecosystem.

This new graphic illustrates how supportive relationships and cross-system coordination are key to young people achieving their highest potential in education, work, and life.