The new national unemployment number is 7.8%, a number much lower than expected. The youth unemployment rate dropped as well but it is still at 11.8%. On top of poor job outlook, the average college graduate is $28,600 in debt! These students need to find good, stable jobs to pay off the education they just earned, and whoever takes over for the next 4 years will have to make this a priority.
As we near election day it is becoming clear that in order for either President Obama or Governor Romney to win the Presidency they will need the youth vote. In 2012 there are approximately 8 million new youth voters. Most are incredibly enthusiastic about casting their vote for the first time.
Matthew Segal, Co-founder & President of Our Time, joined the table today to discuss his new campaign to help get the youth back to work. He is working on a new documentary called Up To Us, which shows the struggles of two young Americans, one working for AmeriCorps and another looking for a public service job.