Our Mission
The Reconnecting Youth Campaign is a coalition championing policies and programs to reconnect Opportunity Youth across the country.
Across the United States, over 4.8 million 16- to 24-year-olds have been separated from pathways to productive adulthood. They are known as “Opportunity Youth,” both because they are seeking opportunities to provide for themselves and their families, and because they represent untapped potential for employers, communities and our economy.
Policy Agenda
The Reconnecting Youth Campaign remains at the forefront of legislative investment victories centering Opportunity Youth.
Since our launch in 2017, our advocacy has focused on working with elected officials to ensure youth and young adults disconnected from education and employment are prioritized in budget decisions, policies and programs. Equitable access to education, employment and service pathways lead to intergenerational economic mobility for youth, young adults, and their families.
The Reconnecting Youth Campaign is a coalition championing policies and programs to reconnect Opportunity Youth across the country.
Co-facilitators
The Reconnecting Youth Campaign is a collaboration of more than 50 national organizations that care about and work on behalf of Opportunity Youth. It is co-facilitated by the following organizations, each of which has a longstanding commitment to young people, opportunity and equity:
Center for Law and Social Policy
CLASP is a national, nonpartisan, anti-poverty nonprofit advancing policy solutions for low-income people. We develop practical yet visionary strategies for reducing poverty, promoting economic opportunity, and addressing barriers faced by people of color.
National Youth Employment Coalition
The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) is a national membership network that improves the effectiveness of organizations that seek to help youth become productive citizens. Toward this end, NYEC sets and promotes quality standards; tracks, crafts and influences policy; provides and supports professional development; and builds the capacity of organizations and programs.
YouthBuild USA
At YouthBuild programs in the United States and across the globe, low-income young people learn construction skills to help build affordable housing and other community assets such as community centers and schools.
Opportunity Youth United
Opportunity Youth United is a national movement of young people and allies working to increase opportunity and decrease poverty in America.
Forum for Youth Investment
The Forum for Youth Investment helps leaders get young people ready for college, work and life. Doing so requires a range of strategies – from national thought leadership to on-the-ground action.
The Corps Network
The Corps Network advances programs that transform young people’s lives and communities through career development, conservation, and civic engagement.
Join the Reconnecting Youth Campaign
Together we can unleash America’s potential.
