A Profile of Disconnected Young Adults in 2010

Disconnection Defined

Disconnected young adults — as defined in this report — are absent from the typical paths to economic independence, and their highest level of academic achievement is a high-school diploma. They are not employed, they are not enrolled in higher education and they are not enlisted in military service.

Connected vs. Disconnected Adults

Compared to their connected counterparts, disconnected young adults are more likely to be married, lack health insurance and receive some kind of public assistance. They are also more than twice as likely to live in poverty, have a child and be a single parent.

A Two-part Action Plan

Reducing the rate of disconnection requires a two-pronged focus, according to experts: 1) work to keep youth on a path toward self-sufficiency; and 2) help young adults who have already veered off track return to a trajectory of economic independence.

Keeping Adolescents on Track

This report shares several ideas aimed at helping youth stay firmly planted on a path toward self-sufficiency. These strategies include: investing in early childhood development programs; expanding school-based behavioral health screenings and services; and developing comprehensive mentoring initiatives that cater to at-risk youth.

Aiding Unconnected Young Adults

Readers will learn about potential ways to help disconnected individuals get their lives back on track. One option is to push to improve the quality of services, counseling and academic support offered at community colleges and other two-year institutions.

A Growing Concern

In 2010, 4.3 million individuals — approximately 15% of all young adults — were disconnected. This marks a 30% jump in the number of disconnected young adults in just 10 years.

Demographic Details

The average disconnected young adult is 21 years old and has, at most, a high-school diploma. Men and women experience disconnection at similar rates, with nearly 15% of each gender group impacted. In addition, the incidence of disconnection is higher among foreign-born individuals and all minority groups except Asians.