WalletHub: Cassandra Happe on Disconnected Youth
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2024/08/23
Cassandra Happe is a WalletHub Analyst. Here we talk about some states most and least affected by drug issues based on a report by WalletHub.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for disconnected youth?
Cassandra Happe: Louisiana, New Mexico, and West Virginia are the worst states for disconnected youth, which means high rates of young adults neither working nor in school, and facing significant challenges like poverty, low education levels, and poor health. In contrast, states like New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Illinois offer the best environments for youth, marked by better education, employment opportunities, and healthier lifestyles.”
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the percentage of disconnected youth?
Happe: Louisiana, Alaska, and Arkansas have the highest percentages of disconnected youth, which indicates significant challenges in education and employment for young adults in these states. The District of Columbia, North Dakota, and Nebraska, however, have the lowest rates because of their stronger support systems and opportunities for youth. These disparities highlight the need for targeted interventions in states with higher rates to prevent long-term socio-economic issues.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the percentage of youth without a high school diploma?
Happe: New Mexico ranks worst in the nation for the percentage of youth without a high school diploma, with 15.5% of its 18-24-year-olds lacking this key educational achievement. This severely limits their future job prospects and earning potential. On the other hand, Hawaii boasts the best performance, with only around half that percentage, making it a leader in ensuring its youth complete their high school education.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the percentage of overweight and obese youth?
Happe: States vary widely in terms of youth obesity rates, which is a reflection of broader disparities in health and resources. West Virginia has the highest percentage of overweight and obese youth, indicating significant challenges in promoting healthy lifestyles among its young population. Other states with concerning rates include Oklahoma, Ohio, Arkansas, and New Mexico.
On the other hand, New Hampshire, Colorado, California, Vermont, and Massachusetts have the lowest percentages, which suggests that these states may offer better environments or resources that support healthier youth outcomes. Addressing these disparities is crucial for ensuring the future well-being of all young Americans.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the percentage of youth drug users?
Happe: Vermont, the District of Columbia, and Oregon rank as the worst states for youth drug use, or in other words, the highest percentages of young individuals engaged in illicit drug activities. On the other hand, Alabama, Utah, and Texas rank among the best, as their low rates of youth drug use are the result of more favorable environments or effective preventive measures.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for youth labor force participation rates?
Happe: States with high youth labor force participation rates, like Wisconsin and Utah, are providing better opportunities for young adults to engage in the workforce, which is critical for their development and future economic stability. In contrast, states like Hawaii, Mississippi, and New York face challenges with low participation rates, indicating a need for more support and resources to help young people transition smoothly into the labor market. Without intervention, these states risk long-term negative effects on their economic and social progress.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the youth poverty rate?
Happe: Youth poverty rate is a critical indicator of future economic stability, and the disparities between states are striking. The District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Louisiana rank among the worst, with significantly high youth poverty rates. These states face compounded challenges such as low educational attainment and high rates of disconnected youth, which further entrench poverty. On the other end, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Hawaii have the lowest youth poverty rates, as they are likely benefiting from stronger social safety nets and better educational and employment opportunities for young adults.
Jacobsen: Which states are the worst and best for the percentage of homeless youth?
Happe: The states with the highest percentage of homeless youth include the District of Columbia, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, and California. These states face significant challenges that contribute to youth homelessness, such as high rates of poverty, lack of affordable housing, and insufficient support services. On the other hand, Mississippi, Delaware, Indiana, Virginia, and Louisiana report the lowest percentages of homeless youth, which suggests better support systems or fewer economic pressures affecting this vulnerable population. The stark difference between the worst and best states underscores the critical need for focused efforts in areas with high youth homelessness.
Jacobsen: What can be done to reduce the number of youth disconnected from work and education?
Happe: States should focus on comprehensive reforms targeting both educational and socio-economic factors to effectively address the issue of youth disconnected from work and education. Investments in stable housing, improved access to education, and robust youth programs are crucial. Enhanced role models and mentorship programs can provide guidance, while financial support and healthcare access can alleviate barriers to success. States with high youth disconnection rates, such as Louisiana and New Mexico, must prioritize these areas to prevent long-term negative effects on future economic and social progress.
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