Workforce Policy

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Analysis of Black Youth Summer Employment in 2018

Joint Center Analysis of Black Youth Summer Jobs in 2018

On August 16, 2018, the Joint Center’s Harin Contractor did an analysis on summer employment for young Black workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data looking at employment trends and industry patterns for all young workers, ages 16 to 24. Summer jobs are important for young African Americans as it indicates confidence in the economy as well as positive benefits toward lifetime earnings.

Contractor found that while youth summer employment was up overall, Black youths participating in summer jobs remains relatively flat.


Black young people are over-represented in summer jobs in the retail industry. As retail stores such a Macy’s, Sears, and Toys R Us shut their doors due to increased online shopping, this will have an adverse effect on summer jobs for young Black workers.

You can follow the entire conversation and see all of the graphs here: https://twitter.com/i/moments/1032989464178638848