In this commentary, we discuss the implications of recent research led by Bart Hirsch, Reed Larson and Charles Smith. Each study helps deepen our understanding of youth work practice and can inform policy strategies aimed at developing a strong, stable, committed and prepared OST workforce. (Contains 4 footnotes and a list of Resources.)

Over the past year, two comprehensive studies of youth workers were coordinated by the Next Generation Youth Work Coalition. Together, these two studies, conducted by the Forum for Youth Investment and the National Afterschool Association, capture the voices and perspectives of over 5,000 youth workers from across the country. Together they offer…

In the past, much attention has been paid to the leaks in the "education pipeline", but now employers, youth and communities are focusing on repairing the "work pipeline" to ensure that young people are ready for work by age 21. This issue brief is the second in a series developed by the Forum for Youth Investment, Connect for Kids, Voices for…