Opportunity Youth and Young Adults
Opportunity Youth in Texas are individuals ages 16 to 24 who are not in school or working, facing barriers that limit their access to education, jobs, anD support.
CHILDREN AT RISK is dedicated to empowering Opportunity Youth and Young Adults (OYYA), ages 16-24, who face barriers to education and employment. Through advocacy, innovative programs, and targeted policies, we strive to provide the resources and support needed to help these young individuals thrive and contribute to Texas’ future success.
In Texas, 13.1% of young people in this age group are considered OYYA, approximately 484,894 individuals.
Across the nation, the youth disconnection rate stands at 10.9%, representing 4,343,600 young people.
Opportunity Youth in Texas face unique challenges that hinder their ability to thrive, including barriers to education, employment, and community engagement. These young people, typically between the ages of 16 and 24, are neither in school nor employed, often facing complex social and economic hurdles. In Texas, a significant portion of this population is at risk of falling behind in terms of educational attainment and career opportunities. Many OYYA remain unaware of alternatives to traditional college paths, such as apprenticeships, trade schools, or certifications. OYYA faces numerous challenges that hinder their engagement in education or employment. These include basic needs such as food and housing insecurity, mental health issues stemming from adverse childhood experiences, lack of childcare and transportation, and higher risks of incarceration, disability, poverty, and high school dropout.
However, with the right support systems in place, including access to job training, mentorship, and educational resources, opportunity youth have the potential to build successful futures. Addressing the needs of this group is critical for the long-term prosperity of Texas, requiring collaboration across government, nonprofit organizations, and local communities to ensure that these young individuals are not left behind. Through targeted programs and policies, opportunity youth will have access to the tools and opportunities to succeed.
The C@R Opportunity Youth & Young Adults Team...
Analyzes the current state of OYYA in Texas, identifying innovative practices and monitoring government regulations and funding streams. This strengthens the foundation for developing impactful solutions to address the unique challenges opportunity youth and young adults face.
Collaborates with policymakers and stakeholders to unify efforts toward OYYA goals, amplifying advocacy impact. Provides critical insights into innovative practices, building a shared understanding that supports a cohesive policy agenda. This collaboration drives improvements in program evaluation and makes essential information more accessible to all involved, aligning goals and fostering a coordinated approach to addressing OYYA needs effectively.
Promotes data-driven decision-making and effective resource allocation are promoted statewide, encouraging consistent, targeted solutions for OYYA. Successful programs are replicated across regions, while young adults receive essential workforce preparation, including job training, childcare, and transportation support. Advocacy efforts extend to championing state and federal policies that expand access to affordable, high-quality childcare and build a prepared, well-supported early education workforce.
THE LATEST
REPORTS | RESEARCH | RESOURCES
Opportunity Youth + Young Adults
Legislative District Profiles
SUPPORTING Opportunity Youth
FOR AN INCLUSIVE ECONOMY
RECENT
NEWS | BLOGS | EVENTS
Stay up-to-date on the latest from our team!
RECAP | C@R Hosts 2024 STEM Summit
This post was written by Susannah Young, Associate Director of PreK-12 Education, CHILDREN AT RISK.On Thursday, October 17th, CHILDREN AT RISK (C@R), Texas Family Leadership Council, Shell, and Boardwalk Pipelines hosted the annual STEM Summit, "Innovating the STEM...
CHILDREN AT RISK Statement on the 2024 HISD Bond Election
Media Contact: Rashena Flagg 713.301.4577 IMMEDIATE RELEASE CHILDREN AT RISK is disappointed that the HISD bond proposal did not gain broader support from the Houston community. While this critical investment in education has been deferred, our commitment to...
CHILDREN AT RISK Global Learning Tours
The purpose of CHILDREN AT RISK’s Global Learning Tours is to offer an immersive educational experience that allows participants to explore and understand the critical issues affecting child health, education, and welfare on an international scale. Through travel to...