Representatives Carter, Bresnahan Launch the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus for the 119th Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Rob Bresnahan Jr. (R-PA) announced the re-launch of the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus (BOYC) for the 119th Congress. This first-of-its-kind caucus will highlight bipartisan federal policies that support young people aged 16-24 who are disconnected from school and work or are at-risk of experiencing disconnection – also known as “Opportunity Youth” (OY).
Co-chaired by Reps. Carter and Bresnahan, the caucus will allow Members of Congress to discuss policies and local programs that help constituents have successful careers and positive educational outcomes and highlight Opportunity Youth research and statistics. Nearly 150 national, state, and local organizations signed a letter to the co-chairs in support of the caucus.
“No two people have the same background or path in life. It's our responsibility to ensure everyone has access to the opportunities and the resources to achieve their dreams,” said Rep. Carter. “Some young people are disconnected from work or school, and they need help. I want all our youth not just to survive but thrive.”
“The Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus is about meeting young people where they are and connecting them to real pathways to work, education, and long-term success,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “By bringing both parties together, we can support proven programs like Job Corps and earn-while-you-learn training that strengthen our workforce and our communities. Re-engaging Opportunity Youth isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s an investment in our country’s future.”
“JobsFirst NEPA applauds Representatives Bresnahan and Carter for their leadership in relaunching and co-chairing this first-of-its-kind caucus. By championing the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, they are committing to advocate for workforce and economic investment for young adults across the country, including in Northeastern Pennsylvania, who are without a clear path to school completion or stable work. JobsFirst NEPA is ready to support this focused, collaborative approach to turn opportunity into economic mobility for young people,” saidShanie Mohamed, Executive Director, JobsFirst NEPA.
“LOYAL would like to thank Rep. Troy Carter for his tremendous leadership in forming the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus. His demonstrated commitment to opportunity youth is vital to ensuring federal programs and policies are responsive to the unique needs of today’s youth. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to working with BOYC in support of opportunity youth in Louisiana and the nation. The Louisiana Opportunity Youth Alliance (LOYAL) is a network of direct service providers and advocacy organizations that focuses on creating a stronger connective fabric to support all young people as they transition from school to the workforce,” saidR. Danielle Barringer-Payton, Director of Louisiana's Opportunity Youth Coalition.
“We commend Representatives Bresnahan and Carter for their leadership in co-chairing the Bipartisan Opportunity Youth Caucus, which will educate congressional leaders about opportunity youth, the challenges they face, evidence-based best practices to support them, and bipartisan policy solutions to reduce youth disconnection. The National Youth Employment Coalition stands ready to support the Caucus by recruiting additional members and advancing policy solutions that strengthen outcomes for our nation’s young people," said Dr. Mary Ann Haley, Executive Director of National Youth Employment Coalition.
Background:
The BOYC is a ground-breaking congressional caucus focused on the unique issues of youth disconnection and will highlight the importance of re-engaging youth with work, school, and support systems as they transition into adulthood. Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) and Rep. Carter (D-LA) co-chaired the BYOC in the 118th Congress.
Previously referred to as “disconnected youth,” the term Opportunity Youth emerged as a way to emphasize the societal and economic potential of re-engaging these young people and recognize their potential. According to the latest research, the national youth disconnection rate is nearly 11 percent, or over 4.1 million opportunity youth.
Youth disconnection knows no political or geographic boundaries, with rural areas facing rates of 17.3 percent, compared to 11.2 percent in urban centers, and 9.9 percent in suburbs. When Opportunity Youth are connected to education, training, and quality employment, they contribute powerfully to their families, communities, and the nation’s economic and civic life.
You can view photos from the event launch here.
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