Nearly all U.S. adults say it is important for youth and young adults to have access to employment opportunities. Baby boomers, Gen Xers and millennials agree that it is extremely or very important for youth and young adults to have access to employment opportunities. Parents, especially those with children between the ages of 13 and 17, also are strong supporters of developing employment opportunities for youth.

Park and recreation departments across the country are among the biggest employers of youth. These first jobs build a young person’s confidence, provide valuable work experience and give exposure to rewarding career opportunities.

Key Findings:

• Ninety-two percent of U.S. adults agree that it is important for youth and young adults to have access to employment opportunities.
• Baby boomers (85 percent), Gen Xers (86 percent) and millennials (79 percent) say access to employment opportunities for youth and young adults is extremely or very important.
• Eighty-five percent of parents overall and 90 percent of parents with children between the ages of 13 and 17 agree access to employment opportunities for youth and young adults is extremely or very important.