Community Solutions for Opportunities Youth, the final report published by The White House Council on Community Solutions, shines a spotlight on the Council’s key issue of focus: ensuring that all youth in America “are on a clear path to economic opportunity.”  This focus will not only change the trajectory of an estimated 6.7 million lives, but it will also have a profound and positive effect on the nation’s economy and society as well.  It is estimated that, in 2011, the cost of this issue to taxpayers was more than $93 billion in lost taxes and direct support costs to disconnected youth.

This report reflects conversations with more than 350 youth and community leaders across the country and confirms that youth have energy and aspirations, and they recognize their responsibility to develop solutions with local leaders that improve their lives, benefit their communities, and help youth nationwide.  Three fundamental principles were then identified as central to effectively address the needs of opportunity youth:

1. Young People Are Key to the Solution - Opportunity youth have informed views of what works for them and their peers.
2. All Sectors Must Unite to Address the Challenge - To see dramatic, measurable progress, families, communities, schools, employers, nonprofits, and the government must pull together in the same direction to provide the diverse range of services needed.
3. Policies and Funding Must Be Data-driven – Policy and funding decisions need to be guided by accurate data about opportunity youth and effective interventions to ensure the most effective use of limited funding.