Our 2021 Data Report on LA’s Opportunity Youth

In 2021, the City of Los Angeles (LA) was home to approximately 3.9 million people, making it the second most populous city in the country. Given its size, it is not surprising that LA is also home to the second largest population of teens and young adults (ages 16- 24) who are neither in school nor at work (i.e., disconnected). As of 2021, over 62,000 young people were disconnected.

Often referred to as Opportunity Youth (OY), this population represents an enormous amount of untapped potential. But without the appropriate resources, services, and support, many OY are likely to face several challenges and obstacles as they go through life. Teen and young adult disconnection from two foundational pillars – education and employment – is a serious issue that requires our immediate attention and action. The purpose of this brief paper is to summarize the most recent data on LA’s OY population in 2021.

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New Ways to Work

New Ways to Work

For over five decades, New Ways to Work has effectively provided technical assistance and capacity building with people and organizations across the country to help communities better prepare youth and young adults for bright futures. New Ways draws on a history of building systems that support transitions for the economically disadvantaged, those in foster care or engaged in the criminal justice system, those with disabilities or those who are simply out-of-work and out-of-school and need better opportunities to succeed.