Youth disconnection in New Jersey is rising.
The solutions exist.
In 2024, 104,400 young people across New Jersey were not in school and not working, an increase of 9,400 in a single year.
The New Jersey Opportunity Youth Coalition centers opportunity youth voices to drive systems change and lasting policy solutions.
Every County, Every Community
Youth disconnection is not concentrated in one place or one community. Across New Jersey, elevated rates appear in every county and among every racial and ethnic group. Rural Cumberland County has the highest per capita rate in the state, with 20.2% of young people ages 16 to 24 neither in school nor working. Essex County follows at 14.5%, with 14,400 young people left without a path forward.
YOUNG PEOPLE
ARE THE GREATEST
UNTAPPED RESOURCE
Every young person in New Jersey deserves a real path forward. The New Jersey Opportunity Youth Coalition brings together advocates, educators, and policymakers to build the systems that make that possible.
FEATURED WORK
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Building Brighter Futures in New Jersey Data Preview
New statistics reveal New Jersey’s growing youth disconnection crisis. Read more for details about the research by NJOYC in partnership with Measure of America.
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Prevention School Disconnection in NJ: A Challenge We Cannot Afford to Ignore
Read Newark Opportunity Youth Network’s policy brief on the issue of disconnection and how it impacts all communities throughout New Jersey.
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A Portrait of Newark
Read Measure of America and Newark Opportunity Youth Network’s report which paints a picture of well-being and access to opportunity, and the state of youth disconnection in Newark today.
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Newark Youth Voices Portal
Explore the findings of Youth Advocates’ community listening project through their interactive portal “Youth Speak for Themselves: Revolutionizing the Quality of Education in Newark.”
TESTIMONY
Youth Advocate support of state funding for New Jersey YouthBuild programs.
Youth Advocate support of ensuring disconnection prevention and reengagement takes place for students in New Jersey.
Member organization support of state funding for New Jersey YouthBuild programs.
Stay Informed.
Stay Engaged.
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