http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/hsgec.pdf
Reading the report a number jumped out at me. Later it appears to contradict itself, but the devil is in the details. The number is still alarming on either case.
QUOTE
Between October 2003 and October 2004, about 500,000 young people dropped out of high school. The labor force participation rate for these dropouts
(53.7 percent) was considerably lower than the participation rate for recent
high school graduates who had not enrolled in college (77.5 percent). Among
recent high school dropouts, men were more likely than women to be participa-
ting in the labor force in October 2004 (59.9 versus 45.9 percent). The un-
employment rate for high school dropouts was 39.9 percent in October 2004,
nearly twice the unemployment rate of high school graduates who had not en-
rolled in college (20.0 percent).
(53.7 percent) was considerably lower than the participation rate for recent
high school graduates who had not enrolled in college (77.5 percent). Among
recent high school dropouts, men were more likely than women to be participa-
ting in the labor force in October 2004 (59.9 versus 45.9 percent). The un-
employment rate for high school dropouts was 39.9 percent in October 2004,
nearly twice the unemployment rate of high school graduates who had not en-
rolled in college (20.0 percent).
Then later
QUOTE
Unemployment rates for youth not in school were lower among those with
higher education levels. The unemployment rates for youth who had college
degrees were 5.0 percent for men and 5.6 percent for women. In contrast,
youth not enrolled in school with less than a high school diploma had
unemployment rates of 20.0 percent for men and 23.6 percent for women.
higher education levels. The unemployment rates for youth who had college
degrees were 5.0 percent for men and 5.6 percent for women. In contrast,
youth not enrolled in school with less than a high school diploma had
unemployment rates of 20.0 percent for men and 23.6 percent for women.
bold added by vadiver.
either number of 20% or 40% is alarming. Somewhere along the line our youth need to understand the need for an education. I guess the 40% rate is for the students that dropped out within the year. The 20% is for persons aged 16-24 without a HS diploma.
From table two the unemployment rates for:
Men.............................. 12.1
Less than a high school
diploma...................... 20.0
High school graduates, no
college (3).................. 12.1
Some college or associate
degree....................... 6.9
Bachelor's degree and higher... 5.0
Women............................ 12.6
Less than a high school
diploma...................... 23.6
High school graduates, no
college (3).................. 14.0
Some college or associate
degree....................... 8.5
Bachelor's degree and higher... 5.6
Please remember unemployment rates are calculated by persons without a job, ACTIVLY looking for a job, and able to take a job if one is offerd.