Uneven Recovery and Sustained Inequality after the COVID-19 Recession
Executive Summary
Uneven Recovery and Sustained Inequality after the COVID-19 Recession: Employment for Chicago’s Youth and Young Adults examines how young people in Chicago have fared in the labor market following the pandemic-induced recession. Produced by the Great Cities Institute at the University of Illinois Chicago and commissioned by the Alternative Schools Network, this May 2024 data brief analyzes jobless and out-of-school-and-jobless rates for youth ages 16–19 and young adults ages 20–24 across Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, and the United States.
Drawing on American Community Survey data, the report finds that while overall employment levels have rebounded since 2020, recovery has been uneven and deeply unequal. Chicago continues to lag behind Illinois and the nation, particularly for Black and Latino youth. In 2022, Chicago experienced an increase of more than 6,000 jobless teenagers compared to the previous year, and Black youth faced especially high jobless and out-of-school rates. Spatial analysis further reveals that joblessness is heavily concentrated in specific Chicago neighborhoods, underscoring persistent geographic inequities.
The report highlights the critical importance of youth employment programs, citing evidence that summer and year-round employment initiatives reduce violence, improve job readiness, and strengthen long-term outcomes. Together, the findings provide a data-driven foundation for policymakers, educators, and advocates seeking to advance more equitable employment opportunities for Chicago’s youth.