Opportunity Youth - Year One Findings (2022)

In 2021, the Humboldt Area Foundation/Wild Rivers Community Foundation and the California Center for Rural Policy launched a project funded by the Aspen Institute to assess the connection of young people in Del Norte and Tribal Lands (DNATL) to school and the workforce. In partnership with youth-serving institutions in DNATL, this coalition developed a survey tool to better understand the barriers and factors that impact Opportunity Youth (OY) in the region. This report shares the preliminary results of the survey, which focused on understanding the factors that support or hinder young people’s connection to opportunities. A second survey will be conducted in Spring 2023, building on the initial findings to better assess the factors impacting young people’s connection to opportunities. This report's results are subject to change. 

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Results

Based on the survey results, it is clear that OY/SI (Opportunity Youth / System Impacted) participants face significant barriers to education and employment compared to their counterparts who remain connected to work and school. These barriers include lower incomes, less experience, and a lack of knowledge about where to start or what options are available to them. Additionally, OY/SI participants are more likely to view financial barriers as a major obstacle and to indicate that they need support services in order to succeed in school and work.

The findings highlight the urgent need for consistent financial relief, job training, mentorship, and other programs designed to prepare and train young people for launching their careers. Furthermore, support services at scale, ranging from academic counseling to mental health counseling and various other social support systems, are essential resources needed to help reconnect and keep connected DNATL youth.

In conclusion, policymakers and program developers must prioritize creating and implementing such programs to address the systemic barriers faced by OY/SI participants. These initiatives should be tailored to meet the unique needs of this population and should be accessible, culturally responsive, and sustainable over the long term. By investing in these resources, we can help ensure that all young people have access to the opportunities they need to succeed and thrive in school, work, and life. These topics will be further elaborated in a second round of surveying scheduled for mid 2023.