This news radio highlights the persistent issue of youth joblessness in Illinois, with a study by UIC’s Great Cities Institute revealing that 163,000 young people are out of school and work. The problem is severe on Chicago’s South and West Sides, with calls for $300 million in funding for youth jobs.
“The study by UIC’s Great Cities Institute shows that there are some 163,000 young people not going to school or working.”
“In the city alone, 16 to 24-year-olds, there’s over 25,000 youth and young adults who are out of school and jobless; and they are not moving forward with their lives. It’s a dangerous situation.” He says kids with nothing to do can get involved in unrest and gangs. He’s calling for Gov. J.B .Pritzker and the legislature to commit $300 million to more youth jobs. “We’re hoping that the legislature and the Governor can come up with the money necessary to provide them the jobs this summer and some jobs, you know, simple jobs during the school year,” Wuest said.
The study by UIC shows that young people in Illinois overall experience unemployment more than the national average.
From WBBM NewsRadio/Audacy (To go to the actual article, please click on this link.)
