Youth First focuses on “disconnected” youth

The NKY Works Advisory Committee’s December meeting revealed that Northern Kentucky may have far more disconnected young people than previously understood. Often called “opportunity youth,” these are 16- to 24-year-olds who are neither working nor in school. In the 8-county NKADD region, about 5,600 to 6,000 young adults fall into this category. 

But as NKU economist Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani explained, these counts leave out an important group: “marginally connected youth,” those working part-time but still earning below the federal poverty line. When you include both disconnected and marginally connected youth, Northern Kentucky has nearly 10,000 young adults struggling to gain a foothold in the labor market. 

Helping these young people move into meaningful, sustainable employment is a critical workforce priority. As Dr. Al Bahrani emphasized, success hinges on skill development; whether on the job, in postsecondary programs, or (ideally) through a combination of both. His full presentation is available here. We encourage you to read it and to follow his blog. 

Youth First: A Growing Solution 

NKADD’s Youth First initiative was created to support this exact population. Team members Ali Kline and Dede Watts began by partnering with high schools to equip students with career-ready skills before they graduate. They also connect young people with employers committed to developing early-career talent. 

For young adults who are already out of school, Youth First helps them overcome barriers and move into full-time work. The program provides practical support such as work attire, one-on-one support and mentoring, connections to resources, and training subsidies for those who qualify.  

Launched just last fall, Youth First has already supported hundreds of young people, with 85 eligible individuals enrolled in the program. Of those, 18 have gained employment with an average pay of $17.50 per hour. Youth First continues to grow in its effectiveness and capacity to continue serving even more youth and employers. 

Employers: You Can Be Part of the Solution 

If your company needs reliable entry-level talent and is willing to invest in developing young workers, Youth First may be an ideal partner. With the ability to provide four weeks of wage reimbursement, Youth First strives to connect youth to good jobs with minimal risk for the employer and quality support to the individual. 

For more information, contact Ali Kline at alexandria.kline@nkadd.org.