The majority of well-paying jobs created since 2010 require some education beyond high school. In 2021 only 10% of jobs went to workers without a high school education while 36% went to workers with at least a bachelor’s degree and that disparity will only continue to grow. A report estimates that through 2032, the US economy will require 5.25 million more workers with some sort of postsecondary education, with 4.5 million needing at least a bachelor’s degree.
Postsecondary education is crucial for escaping poverty and homelessness, leading to a healthy, productive life. However, young workers often struggle to secure good jobs until their early thirties, hindered by rising education costs, limited access to quality work-based learning, and lack of comprehensive career services. Homeless youth additionally face challenges in transitioning to higher education and accessing financial aid. Legislation like the Every Student Succeeds Act and the Higher Education Act aim to alleviate these barriers, supporting homeless youth in achieving economic independence through higher education.
