improving outcomes for opportunity youth nationwide 

NYEC is a nonprofit membership network dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness of organizations and communities that plug in youth and young adults to the resources they need to succeed in school and the workforce. We amplify impact through capacity building, policy advocacy, elevating youth leadership, and ensuring opportunity youth have the support they need to thrive. Together, we forge connections, address common needs, and navigate the unique challenges facing young people.

Happening Now at NYEC!

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National Youth Employment Coalition is proud to announce the Youth Champion Communities Framework (YCCF)—a major national initiative designed to help communities of all sizes assess and substantially improve their capacities to engage and prepare young people for economic mobility and success. The YCCF is a comprehensive framework that seeks to answer the question, “What does a community that best supports its young people truly look like?” This Framework, developed through intensive conversations with community leaders, political leadership, and young people with lived experience from around the country, holds communities to a high standard, while providing them with a roadmap detailing how to get there.

As part of the second phase of this project, NYEC will pilot the YCCF in 5-7 communities across the country. Pilot communities will utilize a community self-assessment, develop a strategic plan, and utilize the implementation tool to focus on system level impacts that support young people and sustain economic mobility.

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We are excited to announce the 2025 National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) Annual Forum: Empowering Youth, Transforming Communities, to be held from May 12th-14th, 2025, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This annual gathering will bring together national leaders, practitioners, policymakers, and young people from across the country to collaborate and drive solutions that address the needs of opportunity youth.

Over the course of three days, participants will engage in insightful workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and dynamic networking opportunities. Topics will focus on key areas such as youth employment, education pathways, community development, and innovative strategies for supporting youth who face systemic barriers.

Registration is now open, and we encourage you to submit a speaker proposal if you're interested in presenting your expertise at the forum

Learn about NYEC's 3 pillars

Our Mission

The National Youth Employment Coalition improves the lives of the 4.9 million young people who are out of school and out of work. We do this by improving the effectiveness of the organizations, and the systems, that serve these "opportunity youth." We collect, study, and support the implementation of best practices, all with a strong equity focus.

What's new from NYEC

Homelessness Report Final

The Intersections between Youth Experiencing Homelessness, Youth Supports and Employment

This literature review highlights the need for ongoing support services alongside
employment and training programs.

Learn more >

EE Core Practice Brief 4X3

Core Practice Brief on Employer Engagement

Exploring Best Practices in the Field serves as an expansion of the NYEC literature review and includes additional findings from focus groups comprised of employers, providers, youth and young adults in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Learn more >

Mental health Report 4X3

NYEC Releases First of Its Kind Mental Health Report

A nationwide survey revealed the readiness of youth programs across the United States to respond to the youth mental health pandemic; the processes and systems providers have in place to fight the crisis; and what supports they need to combat this ongoing, life-threatening challenge.

Learn more >

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Youth Justice and Employment Community of Practice

Exploring Best Practices in the Field serves as an expansion of the NYEC literature review and includes additional findings from focus groups comprised of employers, providers, youth and young adults in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

Learn more >

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Stay up to date on NYEC events, federal policy updates, and connect with other members.

Hear from our members!

"Being a member of NYEC has been the greatest professional development of my career.  In addition to supporting the great work that NYEC does on behalf of young people and our programs, being a member has given me a network of incredibly passionate people doing amazing work in communities across the country."

- Glenn Eagleson, former board member and board chair, 20+ year NYEC member

"NYEC membership provides evidence-based research to strengthen our team's practice  to serve youth and offers current information about the policy agenda through various platforms and invaluable online workshops. One of our favorites is the opportunity to engage live with DOL question and answer sessions  as we connect virtually with over 200 organizations nationwide. HIGHTS values the networking and collaborative opportunity with other organizations who strive to uplift and re-engage our youth with employment and credential attainment."
 
- Caroline Williamson, NYEC Board Member