Youth-Focused Workforce Development Answers Many Of Chicago’s Challenges – Let's Get To Work Mayor Johnson
Lucretzia M. Jamison, Executive Director
As Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson prepares to take office, it brings a sense of excitement around his vision and priorities for the city and its residents. We heard him loud and clear that he wants to address crime, not from a top-down approach but from the roots up. As the leader of Youth Job Center, a workforce development agency for marginalized young people, I could not agree more.
It is imperative that we address the pressing issues facing our young adults, particularly the ever-widening skills gap and youth crime rates. To build stronger communities and unlock the untapped potential of our future leaders, we must prioritize funding youth-focused workforce development agencies that bridge this divide.
The skills gap represents a critical challenge for Chicago's economic growth, especially in sectors like healthcare, construction, and I.T. According to a 2020 study by McKinsey & Company, 44% of employers say their organization will face a skills gap within the next five years, and another 43% report an existing skills gap. The gap between those who attend college and those who don’t is shrinking, we need to create more obvious runways that help young people find success in the workplace. This starts with creating programs that teach the skills demanded by these rapidly evolving industries.
Youth-focused workforce development agencies have the ability to create tailored programs that provide young adults with the training, certifications, and hands-on experience necessary to succeed in the workforce. These agencies can collaborate with local educational institutions, private companies, and community organizations to bridge the gap and enable our young adults to thrive in these high-demand sectors.
In addition, workforce development agencies provide comprehensive career counseling, skills training, and job placement services to empower young individuals to make informed choices about their futures. By offering mentorship programs, paid work experiences, and apprenticeships, these agencies ensure that our youth gain real-world experience and develop the necessary professional networks to succeed. Such initiatives contribute to reducing unemployment rates, strengthening our economy, and fostering innovation.
Chicago has long grappled with youth crime, leaving families devastated and communities fractured. To address this deep-rooted issue, we must shift our focus towards proactive solutions that empower our youth to break the cycle of crime and poverty. A study done by the University of Chicago’s Urban Labs found that employed youth were 43% less likely to be arrested for violent crimes. Youth-focused workforce development agencies have the potential to become catalysts for change by providing young individuals with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Investing in our youth is not just a social imperative, but an economic necessity. By harnessing the potential of our young people, we create a virtuous cycle of empowerment and opportunity that will have lasting positive effects on our communities. The benefits extend beyond individual success stories; they encompass stronger neighborhoods, reduced crime rates, increased economic mobility, and a flourishing city that thrives on the skills and creativity of its young people.
Chicago is teeming with talent and potential. Let us seize this moment to invest in our future leaders and ensure that every young person in Chicago has the opportunity to succeed, and to transform their lives and our city for generations to come.
