In the Media

Tips for teens on landing that summer job: Plenty of openings, but don’t wait

The New York Times—6/7/2021 12:00:00 AM

"This is shaping up to be a banner summer for teenagers looking for a job. But, employment experts say, they shouldn’t wait to apply, because competition for jobs may increase as the economy reopens." Read More.

Teen jobless rate falls to lowest point in years

MarketWatch—6/7/2021 12:00:00 AM

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After a rough 2020, teen workers are in demand this summer

St. Louis Post-Dispatch—5/28/2021 12:00:00 AM

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Where does Rhode Island’s economy go from here?

The Providence Journal—9/24/2020 12:00:00 AM

"While some experts see signs of a strong rebound, others say it will take years to fully recover." Read More.

Pa. one of the fastest recovery states for weekly unemployment claims, says study

Penn Live—9/24/2020 12:00:00 AM

"A new WalletHub study ranked Pennsylvania as one of the states with the fastest recovery rate for weekly unemployment claims. The Keystone State came in fifth, making strides in minimizing how many claims were filed since the start of the pandemic. This study was inclusive of all 50 states plus the District of Columbia." Read More.

Summer jobs for young people are vanishing with the pandemic

AP—8/11/2020 12:00:00 AM

"“They’re at the very bottom of the labor queue. And when things get tough, they get pushed out very quickly,” said Paul Harrington, a Drexel University education professor and director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy. “And that’s why we expect a historically low unemployment summer jobs rate.”" Read More.

The pandemic might be the worst thing to hit summer jobs for teenagers since the Great Recession

Business Insider—8/11/2020 12:00:00 AM

"The pandemic is affecting employment not only for full-time workers but also teens who are looking to gain some job experience and money during their summer breaks." Read More.

Teen unemployment rates highest amid pandemic closures, economic downturn

The Triangle—8/7/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Drexel and its co-op program offer a unique approach to the college experience for its students — a hybrid of school and work that culminates in connections, experiences and a focus towards a desired career by the time a student has completed their course of study." Read More.

These teens started TikTok hustles when coronavirus cancelled their summer jobs

Mic—8/6/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Thanks to the pandemic, and the ensuing recession, summer jobs are cancelled, leaving teens across the country bored and stressed. No summer jobs means lost work experience, earnings, and professional networks and kids from from low-income families are especially hard-hit. Their parents may not be able to cover their expenses, and without a summer job, they can no longer financially contribute to their families, let alone buy themselves anything. In response, teens across the socioeconomic spectrum are monetizing their favorite social media platform: TikTok." Read More.

Virus ‘Dramatically’ Narrows Teenagers’ Summer Job Prospects

The New York Times—6/26/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Teenagers face a tough summer job market because of the pandemic and the related economic slowdown. Whether they’re lifeguard shifts at a (now-dry) pool or counselor spots at a (shuttered) summer camp, jobs often held by young people are scarce." Read More.

The Economy and the Emerging Workforce- Challenges and Opportunities In the Age of COVID-19

Workforce Central—6/1/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Dr. Paul Harrington, Professor and Director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, joins the program to discuss the impact of the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on young people and the emerging workforce. Dr. Harrington also shares his thoughts on the impact that the current disruption may have on the education system, and the decisions that students make regarding pursuing college and careers." Read More.

Ask the Experts

WalletHub—5/29/2020 12:00:00 AM

"What is your opinion on the $2.2tn emergency relief package that has been passed by the U.S. Senate? Will this be sufficient to ensure full relief?" Read More.

COVID-19 Shutdowns Are Hitting Low-Income Workers Especially Hard

New England Journal of Higher Education—5/18/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Our recent NEJHE piece revealed that labor market impacts of COVID-19 shutdowns have been very unequal across industries, occupations and levels of educational attainment. Job losses in the month since the beginning of the shutdowns (between mid-March and mid-April) were concentrated in industries that primarily employ individuals with lower levels of education—industries such as leisure and hospitality, retail trade, construction, manufacturing, and personal services." Read More.

Disastrous Job Loss Must Prompt Creative Measures to Protect Workers and Consumers

New England Journal of Higher Education—5/12/2020 12:00:00 AM

"The monthly business establishment survey conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics produces a measure of the total employment on business establishment payrolls in the week that includes the 12th of the month. Thus, the reported monthly employment measures are a snapshot of the number of jobs in the American economy at mid-month. The 20.5 million jobs lost between mid-March and mid-April, therefore, does not include the losses that occurred after the reference week of the business establishment survey; in the last two weeks of April and the beginning of May." Read More.

Record-Breaking Coronavirus Job Losses Devastate the Least Educated — and Have Already Displaced Highest Degree Holders Worse Than the Great Recession

The 74—5/8/2020 12:00:00 AM

"An ominous reality was made clear in the Department of Labor’s new employment figures Friday morning: Unprecedented job losses hit the least educated the hardest, but even those with higher degrees weren’t protected from the downturn." Read More.

COVID-19 and the Gap Year

New England Journal of Higher Education—4/29/2020 12:00:00 AM

"The COVID-19 pandemic has caused elected officials to shut down large segments of the U.S. economy, within 30 days of President Donald Trump’s National Emergency Proclamation in mid-March, putting more than 26 million American payroll workers out of work and shuttering countless small businesses, thereby shutting down the self-employment option upon which workers frequently rely in times of economic trouble." Read More.

The coronavirus is expanding the safety net

CommonWealth Magazine—4/6/2020 12:00:00 AM

"Like millions of other US workers, Charlie Burke and Mutwaly Hamid were used to getting up in the morning and putting in long days on the job. But when the coronavirus pandemic shut down huge parts of the economy, they weren’t just left out of work, they were left on their own." Read More.

Mal-Employment, the MLA and a Millennial Witch

Inside Higher Ed—11/7/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Paul Harrington appears on podcast "ExperiencED" discussing mal-employment with host Mary Churchill." Read More.

Wake Up with WURD

WURD Radio—9/30/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Paul Harrington, Ph.D is a Director and Professor at the Center for Labor Markets & Policy at Drexel University; specializing in labor economics, public policy, workforce, and education. He joins Wake Up With WURD to talk about how errors in the 2017 census have impacted the current statistics of poverty within the city of Philadelphia." Read More.

Building It Better Together: The state of our job market is strong

6 ABC—9/3/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Unemployment has been dropping over the past decade, from over 8 and 9 percent at the start of 2010, down to 3.9% percent in Pennsylvania in July, just above its record low." Read More.

Summer Youth Unemployment Rate Falls to Half-Century Low

The Wall Street Journal—8/16/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The unemployment rate for Americans between ages 16 and 24 ticked down to 9.1% in July from 9.2% a year earlier, the lowest such rate since July 1966, when youth unemployment was 8.8%, the Labor Department said." Read More.

High-school graduates face worse prospects today than 20 years ago

MarketWatch—7/8/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The unemployment rate hovers at 3.7% in June, after hitting 3.6% in April — the lowest it’s been since 1969." Read More.

Why are fewer teens getting summer jobs?

WWL First News with Tommy Tucker—7/1/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Tommy talks to Paul Harrington, an economist at Drexel University, about the decline of the summer job for teenagers." Read More.

In tight job market, companies look to ex-cons to fill jobs

Fox News—6/13/2019 12:00:00 AM

"In today’s tight job market, when companies are struggling to find workers because of a low unemployment rate, more employers are turning to unconventional programs and looking for workers in unusual places -- including behind bars." Read More.

Milwaukee summer job programs aim to give teens 'extraordinary opportunity'

Journal Sentinel—6/13/2019 12:00:00 AM

"According to a 2018 Drexel University's Center for Labor Markets and Policy study, students from low-income families are more unlikely to be employed over their more affluent peers. The study said teens in households with income less than $20,000 per year were half as likely to have a summer job vs. middle-income students from families with incomes between $75,000 and $150,000 per year." Read More.

Best job market for new graduates in decades, but challenges remain

Houston Chronicle—5/24/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The college class of 2019 is graduating into one of the best job markets in decades as a soon-to-be record economic expansion lowers unemployment, boosts wages and keeps employers hiring — if not competing — for workers." Read More.

Do the Gains from GEAR UP Participation in School Fade Out in College? A Follow-Up

New England Board of Higher Education—5/21/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The federally financed GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Program) was organized two decades ago with the purpose of increasing high school completion and college enrollment among low-income students. The College Crusade of Rhode Island’s GEAR UP program was designed as a long-term effort to buttress student success by providing various kinds of educational and social service supports beginning in the sixth grade and continuing through high school completion." Read More.

Diploma in hand, they are shocked to learn they still need remediation

The Notebook—5/17/2019 12:00:00 AM

"From her seat in her English class at Community College of Philadelphia, Doryann Burry, 18, could look out the window and see her dream, shimmering in the sunlight just a few blocks away." Read More.

Degrees are important, but so are skills

The Notebook—5/15/2019 12:00:00 AM

"And attaining graduation, even from college, doesn’t always guarantee them." Read More.

Editorial: State’s elderly could use some young helpers

Concord Monitor—5/9/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Last summer a sign appeared on a lawn in front of an East Concord home: “Teen wanted to mow lawn,” followed by a phone number. The sign was up for a month or more. We don’t know if the posters of the sign were successful, but we think not. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and researchers have reported that far fewer young people work or want to." Read More.

Best & Worst States for Working Moms

Wallethub—5/7/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Our research finds that the greatest flexibility for college educated women are in the health, education and tech fields. Women are able to have flexible hours of work with no wage penalty. Professional, managerial occupations outside of these areas offer very limited flexibility in hours of work. Women seeking flexible hours experience a very large wage penalty-so you see women in these sectors mostly working full time." Read More.

Why your favorite barista looks like your grandma

experience mag—2/28/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The coffee bar at Central Cafe + Restaurant is bright and clean, and so narrow that the servers must move sideways as they slide past each other." Read More.

President Trump says economic growth has benefitted women the most — but is that true?

MarketWatch—2/8/2019 12:00:00 AM

"In his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said his administration had advanced women’s place in the economy." Read More.

Educational Attainment, Foundational Skills and Worker Earnings

New England Board of Higher Education—1/15/2019 12:00:00 AM

"The earnings advantages to adults with more schooling are well-documented. High school graduates typically have higher earnings than high school dropouts, and those with a bachelor’s degree have higher earnings than both groups. Furthermore, as the job content of the nation’s economy has shifted in a way that generally favors those with more schooling, these earnings gaps between those with more schooling and those with less have widened." Read More.

SAMI works: Graduates of the job-training program at NEIT got higher quality work and wages

The Providence Journal—1/6/2019 12:00:00 AM

"Unemployed workers who enrolled in a federally funded manufacturing-jobs-training program at New England Institute of Technology were not more likely to find work than other similar unemployed workers, but when they did, they made substantially more money, according to a recent study." Read More.

New Census figures on Philly neighborhoods show inequality, high numbers of whites living in poverty

Philly.com—12/6/2018 12:00:00 AM

"In grim and startling detail, a new five-year federal survey of poverty in Philadelphia shows a city still not recovered from the Great Recession." Read More.

Youth Unemployment Hits 52-Year Low

The Wall Street Journal—8/16/2018 12:00:00 AM

"The unemployment rate among young Americans fell to its lowest level in more than 50 years this summer, though the share of young people looking for work remained well below its peak in 1989." Read More.

Now hiring: teenagers (and anyone else willing to work)

The Boston Globe—8/10/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Faced with hundreds of jobs to fill, and a shortage of workers to fill them, Canobie Lake Park bumped up its recruiting efforts this summer, taking out more ads and offering employees unlimited access to the amusement park during the week." Read More.

Summer job pool not so deep

Moorpark Acorn—7/13/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Brooke Cusick, a graduate of the High School at Moorpark College, spends several hours each week answering phone calls and checking in on guests at Massage Envy in Simi Valley." Read More.

Still looking for a summer job? This is the largest employer of teens

Deseret News—7/12/2018 12:00:00 AM

"If your teens are still looking for a summer job, suggest they apply at a restaurant or hotel." Read More.

Maturity the payoff for teens who hold summer jobs

Thousand Oaks Acorn—7/12/2018 12:00:00 AM

"The summertime job has long been a rite of passage. Stocking shelves, delivering pizzas, bussing tables and folding clothes have put some extra cash in the pockets of teens for generations." Read More.

Philadelphians feel squeezed as U.S. economy seems to hum. That's a poverty problem

Philly.com—7/9/2018 12:00:00 AM

"“I’m drowning, and it seems the rest of the economy is doing so well,” says Stephanie Chapman, 29, a divorced mental-health worker and mother of two living in North Philadelphia. She’s in her third year of college and makes $24,000 a year. “The cost of living is crazy.”" Read More.

Why are fewer teens working nowadays?

WWL.com—7/6/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Tommy Tucker talks to Paul Harrington, Professor of Labor Markets at Drexel University, about why fewer teens are working now compared to 2000." Read More.

The Value of a Summer Job

Knowledge @ Wharton High Schoool—7/5/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Economists love labor-force statistics, those numbers that help them determine all kinds of things about the improving or declining health of the economy — unemployment rates, new jobs, emerging job sectors, and so on. It was unsettling this spring when more than one newspaper headline heralded “The Death of the Summer Job.”" Read More.

Why your pool’s lifeguard is more likely to be a senior citizen

The Washington Post—7/3/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Just after she turned 70, Leslie Botts became a lifeguard. Botts, a longtime swimmer from Austin, was looking for a way to stay active while supplementing her income. After retiring in 2007 from her 30-year career as a special-education teacher, she taught yoga at a Caribbean resort for a year, then worked as a substitute high school teacher, making just over $10 an hour. But she was frustrated by the unpredictable hours and low pay. " Read More.

Why Teen Employment Numbers Are Down

NPR—6/29/2018 12:00:00 AM

"It is summertime. And that means teenagers are working summer jobs - or at least looking for them. But this year, not so much. Teen employment numbers are down from previous decades. Stacey Vanek Smith and Danielle Kurtzleben with our daily business podcast The Indicator looked into what's going on." Read More.

Why Are Fewer Teens Working Summer Jobs?

Society for Human Resource Management—6/6/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Unemployment is lower than it has been in 18 years, and summer hiring is expected to be strong. But more teens are opting not to work, according to labor market research." Read More.

Is it a job seeker’s market?

WHYY Radio Times—5/24/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Unemployment is the lowest it’s been in almost two decades at 3.9%. That could suggest that job-seekers have the upper hand, but getting a job has become more complicated than ever. This hour, we’ll talk about the unemployment numbers, wages, and how they are affecting those looking for work. We’ll also discuss the changing landscape of the job hunt—interviewing, resumes, and personal branding. Guest host Mary Cummings-Jordan talks with PAUL HARRINGTON, director for the Center of Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University, ILANA GERSHON, author of Down and Out in the New Economy: How People Find (or Don’t Find) Work Today, and LAURA CRAIG, associate director of career development at Temple University Career Center." Read More.

Summer jobs are less plentiful, but still a valuable experience for teens

St. Louis Post-Dispatch—5/24/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Liz Barr loves working at the Malt Shop in Fenton so much that she often stops by on her days off." Read More.

Only 1 in 3 teens will be working or looking for a job this summer. Here's why Utah is higher than the norm

Deseret News—5/24/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Help wanted: 90 cents an hour, 12 hours a day, constant standing and possible inhalation of dangerous fumes." Read More.

How Teens Can Save for College Despite a Tougher Summer Job Market

Lend Edu—5/17/2018 12:00:00 AM

"While unemployment sits at a 17-year low, teen workers might have a hard time appreciating this as they try finding summer jobs this year." Read More.

Teenagers are less likely to work today than any generation before them, and some say school is to blame

Business Insider—5/10/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Kendra Lodewyk, 16, can't talk to her mom about what it's like to be a high school student in 2018." Read More.

Record low unemployment doesn’t mean teens will find summer jobs this year

MarketWatch—5/7/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Unemployment is lower than it’s been in 17 years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean teen workers will have an easier time getting a job this summer." Read More.

Brain waste: Immigrants with foreign degrees find U.S. employers reluctant to hire them

Philly.com—4/6/2018 12:00:00 AM

"When Jean Guillaume came to the United States from Haiti in 1999, he was a college-educated radio journalist with a can’t-stop-me plan to burn up America’s airwaves with his direct style and quirky intellect." Read More.

Philadelphia's population increased, but it's not all good, according to Census data

Philly.com—3/22/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Philadelphia’s population increased by 6,098 residents between 2016 and 2017, the 11th straight year of growth that the city enjoyed after decades of population decline." Read More.

Scott MacKay Commentary: RI Election Year Economy Half Full or Half Empty?

RI NPR—3/16/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Judging the state of the economy during the upcoming Rhode Island election campaign may prove elusive, akin to herding eels. Voters are sure to be subjected to a blizzard of data, binders full of reports and glitzy television spots saying the cup is empty or running over." Read More.

73,000 Opportunity Youth Live in the City of Los Angeles

KCET—2/27/2018 12:00:00 AM

"Opportunity youth (also referred to as disconnected youth) are individuals between the age of 16 and 24 who are neither working nor in school. Such youth often leave school or work because of healthcare issues, pregnancy, the need to take care of younger siblings or caretakers, or because they are struggling and disconnected in school. According to a report by Drexel University, it is particularly important for people in this age group to be working or in school because it is a critical time for developing ability, knowledge, skills, and character traits (also known as “human capital”) that are important for career path development later in life. In addition to the future career implications, such youth also face disadvantages from being relatively isolated from society and have a higher chance of engaging in unhealthy behaviors like criminal activity. It is estimated there are currently around 73,000 opportunity youth living in the City of Los Angeles." Read More.

Employment Goes Negative In Month Fraught With Hurricanes

Inside Sources—10/6/2017 12:00:00 AM

"The economy saw job growth turn negative, likely due to the recent string of hurricanes, with the loss of 33,000 jobs in the month of September, detailed a federal report Friday." Read More.

An 'uncomfortable' life: Philly still America's poorest big city

Philly.com—9/13/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Philadelphia’s poverty rate, a stubborn and entrenched indicator of hard times, remained stagnant in 2016, even as poverty declined throughout America." Read More.

Pennsylvania saw a 6 percent boost in clean energy jobs, report says

Philadelphia Business Journal—9/6/2017 12:00:00 AM

"It's tricky to define exactly what a clean energy job entails, however." Read More.

The teen unemployment rate is the lowest it’s been in years — why not a good thing

Market Watch—8/7/2017 12:00:00 AM

"On first glance, things are looking good for America’s teen workers. But a deeper dive shows that the country’s economic recovery could be leaving this group behind." Read More.

Survey finds teen summer employment is droppin

The Sun Chronicle—7/31/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Maddy Parker has spent most of her summer working, and although there are days she wishes she was at the beach, the 18-year-old Attleboro resident said she wouldn’t trade her job experience for anything." Read More.

Making it in Central Mass.: Dislocation replaces largesse, security of legacy manufacturers

Telegram.com—7/27/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Twenty-four hours a day in Millbury, the smell of familiar chemicals and the comforting hum of machinery permeate the warm, sticky air inside the mill where the innards of Major League baseballs are made." Read More.

Analysis: More jobs in R.I., but not so much for the middle class

The Providence Journal—7/20/2017 12:00:00 AM

"While state leaders on Thursday hailed Rhode Island’s jobs recovery from the Great Recession, they acknowledge — and economists caution — it has been fueled in large part by the growth of high-wage and low-wage jobs. Middle-class job recovery is still lagging, they say." Read More.

R.I. surpasses pre-recession jobs peak

The Providence Journal—7/20/2017 12:00:00 AM

"At long last, Rhode Island has recovered the number of jobs wiped out here by the Great Recession. " Read More.

Summer jobs for teens wane even as research finds big benefits

The Christian Science Monitor—7/20/2017 12:00:00 AM

"After her parents were deported to Haiti when she was eight, Sherley Muscade lived with a family friend in the United States and, eventually, her aunt. She shifted schools often. She babysat during the summers. And then last year, she had her best summer ever: a job at the Boston Planning and Development Agency." Read More.

David Hardy retires from Boys' Latin with his vision going strong

Philly.com—6/24/2017 12:00:00 AM

"David Hardy had dreamed of opening a charter school for boys in Philadelphia to ensure more minority males made it college." Read More.

Kids today: They don’t work summer jobs the way they used to

The Associated Press—6/23/2017 12:00:00 AM

"It was at Oregon’s Timberline Lodge, later known as a setting in the horror movie “The Shining,” where Patrick Doyle earned his first real paycheck." Read More.

More teenagers choosing summer studies over jobs

USA Today—6/21/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Alida Monaco doesn’t spend her summers doing the usual teenage stuff, like working at the mall or flipping burgers. Instead, she’s studying special relativity and astrophysics — by choice." Read More.

Why Amazon-Whole Foods may not be a prime union target

USA Today—6/21/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Like one of its organic peaches, Whole Foods Market would seem ripe for the picking when it comes to being a target for labor unions following its acquisition by Amazon." Read More.

Study finds Mass. teen employment levels stagnant since recession

Boston Business Journal—6/13/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Research shows that teens who work summer jobs are more likely to graduate from high school, to go to college, and to bring in higher earnings, the study said." Read More.

Four tips for teen jobseekers

NJ.com—6/11/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Finding work as a teen is important, and the benefits go beyond a paycheck, said Paul Harrington, director of the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University. According to one study, for instance, work experience results in higher earnings six to nine years after high school graduation, although working more than 20 hours during the school year can be detrimental." Read More.

Put our teens to work – for their sake and ours

The Indiana Youth Institute—5/1/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Do you remember your first “real” job? What did that job teach you? For many of us, our early jobs built confidence, skills and the experience needed for future employment. Summer is when many young people seek part-time employment. If we want our children to become productive, contributing adults, we must be intentional about helping them into the workforce." Read More.

Black Men Speaking Latin

The Wall Street Journal—4/17/2017 12:00:00 AM

"It may not be surprising to learn that a charter school named Boys’ Latin still offers courses in this dead language. But it is surprising to learn that this is an all-black school in an iffy part of West Philadelphia, and Latin isn’t merely an option here. It’s a requirement." Read More.

Too much competition, too few workers, but Philly manufacturers are still hopeful

Philly.com—4/6/2017 12:00:00 AM

"No one mentioned the T-word, but Philly manufacturers said in a survey that recent election results had them feeling more optimistic about the economy and their company's prospects." Read More.

R.I. struggles to regain jobs lost in recession

The Providence Journal—3/17/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Rhode Island and Connecticut are the only two New England states — and among only seven U.S. states — that have not recovered all the jobs lost in the Great Recession, according to revised data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics." Read More.

Taking a shift in the right direction: The importance of jobs in high school

Collegiate Times—3/12/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Entering the workforce can be scary for anyone — whether you’re 22 and fresh out of college or 16 and barely through high school. However, facing that fear and entering the workforce at a young age, namely in your high school years, both lays the groundwork for your future while also contributing to vast personal development." Read More.

A pipeline to manufacturing jobs in R.I.

The Providence Journal—2/12/2017 12:00:00 AM

"A New England Institute of Technology program aligns workers who lost jobs with manufacturers that have them — including Electric Boat. A Drexel University study found that graduates of the program over a period of two years were "substantially more likely to be employed [particularly welders] and that their earnings were sharply higher relative to the matched comparison group."" Read More.

R.I. economic growth expected to be sluggish through 2020

The Providence Journal—1/17/2017 12:00:00 AM

"Rhode Island has yet to recover from the Great Recession and is forecast to continue its slow growth through 2020, at a slower pace than the nation, according to the latest economic outlook produced for the New England Economic Partnership." Read More.

How Employers And Policymakers Can Improve Job Opportunities For Young People

Forbes—1/12/2017 12:00:00 AM

"How old were you when you had your first job? High unemployment rates among teens and young adults has caught the attention of both press and policymakers. Since 2000, the job market for teens and young adults has shrunk. Only about 26 percent of youth are employed, according to Paul Harrington, director of the center for labor markets and policy at Drexel University. Instead, he says, there has been a rapid influx of older workers into traditional teen jobs." Read More.

Rhode Island: Economists eye impacts of Trump presidency

The Providence Journal—11/10/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Less gridlock in Washington, higher interest rates, a strengthening dollar and the pressure to contain health-care costs are among the topics that economists suggest may impact Rhode Island's economy after Donald Trump's presidential win Tuesday." Read More.

Harvard, striking dining hall workers make deal

The Boston Globe—10/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Harvard University reached a tentative contract agreement early Tuesday with about 750 dining hall employees who have been on strike for nearly three weeks — the latest in a series of high-profile labor standoffs that have ended with a union claiming victory." Read More.

Surprisingly good economic news for most of the Philly region

Philly.com—9/15/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Higher wages for professionals and a jump in the number of low-end jobs combined to give the income of Philadelphians a surprising boost in 2015." Read More.

Incomes up 5.6%, but R.I. still lag neighbors

The Providence Journal—9/15/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Median household income in Rhode Island experienced among the highest rates of growth in the nation from 2014 to 2015, but the actual number in the Ocean State still lags behind many neighboring states in the Northeast." Read More.

My First Job: How Part-Time Work Pays Off For Teens -- And Employers

Forbes—9/12/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Barack Obama scooped ice cream at Baskin-Robbins. Suze Orman pumped fuel and DJ Calvin Harris gutted salmon. They’re among the celebrities who have given candid accounts of their first employment experiences and the lessons they learned on the job about work ethic, punctuality and responsibility." Read More.

The decline of the teen job

NWI.com—8/12/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Once a cultural rite of passage, the teen summer job is now on the wane. According to a 2016 report on the topic from Drexel University, just one of three teens in the summers of 2014 to 2015 had paid employment, down from 52 percent of teens in 1999 to 2000." Read More.

Self-Employment in the Hudson Valley: Risks, Rewards and Work Satisfaction

HVEDC Quarterly Report—8/5/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Self-employment is a path not usually chosen as a career by the overwhelming majority of labor market participants. For example, about one in 10 employed persons in the Hudson Valley region opt to run their own businesses. Deciding to run a business is fraught with personal risks and it’s easy to make a wrong assessment of those risks. Entrepreneurs are thus optimists who see less risk and more opportunity in the future than those who opt to work on someone else’s payroll. Moreover, the self-employed, on average, work more hours every week and earn less than their wage and salary counterparts. " Read More.

THE GREAT DISCONNECT

Exel Magazine—8/1/2016 12:00:00 AM

"One in four people in Philadelphia between the ages of 18 and 24 are “disconnected” from the labor market — neither employed nor in school — according to a recent study from Drexel’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy. Nationally, the rate of disconnected youth was just 17.7 percent." Read More.

Hit hard by recession, teens really need the jobs

Reporter Herald—7/9/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Job losses during the 2008-09 recession hit many hard. One group may have been overlooked in recovery efforts — teenagers." Read More.

Labor expert says education is key to self-employment success

MidHudsonNews.com—6/23/2016 12:00:00 AM

"The success of the self-employed workforce in the Hudson Valley can be correlated to the educational level of those involved. That was a finding of Dr. Paul Harrington, director of the Center for Labor Market and Policy at Drexel University. He presented his findings on the state of entrepreneurism in the Hudson Valley to a conference at SUNY New Paltz. The session was held by the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation." Read More.

Hudson Valley businesses 'less optimistic' about the future

Poughkeepsie Journal—6/22/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Despite an ongoing decline in unemployment rates, Hudson Valley businesses are less optimistic about the economic climate than a year ago, according to research by Hudson Valley Economic Development Council." Read More.

If you’re a teen searching for a summer job, well, good luck

The Boston Globe —5/24/2016 12:00:00 AM

"The state’s unemployment rate has dropped to its lowest point in 15 years. “Help Wanted” signs hang outside big box retailers and Tatiana Abreu knows it should be easier to find a summer job." Read More.

Federal Government Steps in to Help Young People Find Summer Jobs

Education Week—5/23/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Getting a summer job is a rite of passage for many teenagers. That first job teaches invaluable lessons about the world of work. I know it did for me. Thanks, Smithfield's Chicken 'N Bar-B-Q. But since the Great Recession, many of the jobs that used to go to high school and college students during summer break are being held by more mature workers." Read More.

LABOR ECONOMIST DR. PAUL HARRINGTON DICUSSES COMMUNITY HEALTH & FUTURE GREATER PHILADELPHIA REGIONAL HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE TRENDS WITH IP MEMBERS AT 5/11 MEETING

GREATER PHILADELPHIA HEALTHCARE PARTNERSHIP—5/11/2016 12:00:00 AM

"The Greater Philadelphia region’s healthcare workforce has experienced dramatic changes since the US enacted comprehensive healthcare reform in 2010 — and according to respected labor economist Dr. Paul Harrington, Director of the Drexel University Center for Labor Markets & Policy, further changes lie ahead for Philadelphia and Pennsylvania’s most important employment sector. " Read More.

Editorial: College success remains elusive

The Notebook—4/15/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Last year, the Notebook took its annual look at what’s being done to help students stay in school and earn a diploma, we lauded the fact that the on-time high school graduation rate in Philadelphia had risen to 65 percent from 52 percent nine years before." Read More.

The Notebook's annual dropout issue explores what leads to academic success

The Notebook—4/8/2016 12:00:00 AM

"After years of steady increases, the School District’s graduation rate has hit a plateau. Though officials have no explanation for why there has been a leveling off, new leadership in the District and Mayor Kenney’s administration continue to create strategies to help more students earn a diploma." Read More.

A matter of degrees

The Notebook—4/5/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Nearly six in 10 graduates from District high schools eventually enroll in college." Read More.

Life when you're not just poor, but deeply poor

Philly.com—3/25/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Last week, Brandy Price painted her living room wall bright red. She labored an entire night, slathering on the startling color." Read More.

Lehigh Valley Wal-Mart workers tout pay raises

The Morning Call —3/11/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Carissa Lee enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and "jumping out of planes" when she's not studying as a full-time college student. " Read More.

US Teens Want to Work

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston - Communities and Banking—3/4/2016 12:00:00 AM

"After the Great Recession of 2007–2009 ended, several of the nation’s key economic and labor-market indicators improved substantially. For example, since 2011, the number of payroll jobs in the United States has increased by more than 11 million, the unemployment rate has fallen to 5 percent from its peak of more than 9 percent in 2009–2010, and the real gross domestic product has grown by more than $1 trillion. " Read More.

2 Keys to Success for Underprivileged Students: When to Start College, and Where to Go

The Chronicle of Higher Education—2/21/2016 12:00:00 AM

"In poor urban neighborhoods, getting not just to but through college can be a path to a brighter future. But where students enroll, and how soon after high-school graduation they start college, can markedly affect their chances of earning a degree." Read More.

R.I. economy is looking for more lift

The Providence Journal —1/30/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Six years after the Great Recession ended in Rhode Island and one year after Governor Raimondo took office, the state's economy continues to recover, albeit unevenly, and some Rhode Islanders have been left behind. " Read More.

How Coker Graham's teenage job as a waitress launched her career

Philly.com—1/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Julie Coker Graham, the new leader of the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, is an illustration of the importance of teen employment. Folks like labor economist Paul Harrington at Drexel University's Center for Labor Markets and Policy say that teen employment connects young people to the workforce and that early employment is an indicator of later financial success. That's just how it worked for Coker Graham. " Read More.

Wawa and Sheetz to raise wages for convenience store employees

Philly Voice—1/20/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Sheetz and Wawa are competing for more than just customers. The two Pennsylvania-based convenience stores both have increased wages to compete for workers as well, reports the Morning Call." Read More.

Convenience stores improve wages in battle for employees

ReadingEagle.com—1/14/2016 12:00:00 AM

"While two of Pennsylvania’s leading convenience stores increased hourly wages this week, Ontelaunee Township-based Redner's Markets said Thursday it has been making pay increases." Read More.

Downsizing: Knowing when it’s time to move on

The Boston Globe—1/8/2016 12:00:00 AM

"Pick up a design magazine or scan the real estate section of the local newspaper and you’ll probably find something about downsizing. But the word means different things to different people. Ask a realtor, and she or he will probably tell you that downsizing isn’t what it used to be. Instead of moving into smaller, less expensive spaces, some people are trading up and starting over." Read More.

2016’s Best & Worst Cities to Find a Job

WalletHub—1/4/2016 12:00:00 AM

"What fields are expected to grow the most in the coming decades? " Read More.

How to go from homeless to employed

Philly.com—12/3/2015 12:00:00 AM

"'I already know what it's like to be homeless, hungry, and abused,' said Carmen Williams, 22, weeping Wednesday as she spoke at a breakfast meeting of educators and business people at Community College of Philadelphia. " Read More.

Philadelphia Has Worst Poverty Among Major Cities

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE—9/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Philadelphia has the highest rate of deep poverty among America's 10 biggest cities, an examination of federal data by The Inquirer shows. The city is already the poorest in that group." Read More.

Thumbs up for GEAR UP: Study shows program dramatically helps low-income students go to college

The Providence Journal —9/29/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Lorena Arango’s student advisees at Central High School lack many of the economic and social advantages that studies show propel their more affluent peers to college and careers." Read More.

Evidence-Based Research: The Impact of the College Crusade GEAR UP Program in RI

The New England Journal of Higher Education—9/29/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The federal GEAR UP program in Rhode Island led to large advantages for students who participated in the program in terms of persistence through the middle and high school years, high school graduation and college enrollment." Read More.

One in Four Young Adults in Philadelphia Are “Disconnected” from Both Work and School

DrexelNow—9/29/2015 12:00:00 AM

"One in four people in Philadelphia between the ages of 18 and 24 are “disconnected” from the labor market – out of school and out of work – according to a new study from Drexel University’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy. Nationally, only 17.7 percent of the age group were disconnected." Read More.

Among the 10 largest cities, Philly has highest deep-poverty rate

Philly.com—9/29/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Philadelphia has the highest rate of deep poverty among America's 10 biggest cities, an examination of federal data by The Inquirer shows." Read More.

Reconnecting with a productive path

Philly.com—9/27/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Three months ago, Jamir London, 19, was one of Philadelphia's "disconnected" young people, cut off from school, from work, and from hope. " Read More.

Millennials face always changing job market

The Boston Globe—9/26/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The labor market is as bright as it has been in years for young workers, whether recent college graduates looking to break into their first job or those a few years removed from campus advancing to their next one." Read More.

Census: Poverty level steady in Philadelphia, drops in Camden

Philly.com—9/17/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Philadelphia remained the poorest of America's 10 largest cities in 2014, with more than one quarter of its residents - 26 percent - living below the poverty line." Read More.

Health care shifts to homes, need for home health aides grows

THOnline.com—9/14/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Yes, James Guyton is tethered to an oxygen line half as long as his rowhouse in North Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood. And yes, he's a little unsteady on his feet. But nobody knows how to mop better than Guyton, 69, now suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease." Read More.

Employers shying away from hiring teens for the summer

Marketplace—9/7/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Umbrellas and towels still cover much the shore in Atlantic City, New Jersey, where Steve Downey heads the beach patrol." Read More.

Rhode Island College drops 'undeclared' major

The Providence Journal—9/1/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Choosing a college major may not be the biggest decision of a lifetime, but it’s probably more important than most freshmen realize." Read More.

As health care shifts to homes, need for home health aides grows

Philly.com—8/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Yes, James Guyton is tethered to an oxygen line half as long as his rowhouse on Olney Avenue. And yes, he's a little unsteady on his feet. But, nobody knows how to mop better than Guyton, 69, now suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. " Read More.

Construction jobs on the upswing

TH Online.com —8/16/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Brian Martin, 33, almost gave up on being a bricklayer during the recession. He loved the work but couldn't get any, so he joined the vast army of construction workers rendered jobless by the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression." Read More.

Construction jobs on the upswing

Cape Cod Times —8/13/2015 12:00:00 AM

Construction jobs on the upswing

Philly.com —8/3/2015 12:00:00 AM

How the Future will work

Philly.com —8/2/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Baby boomers, the generation that brought America cable television, middle-class pot smoking, and the two-car garage, are now bringing the nation the jobs of the future." Read More.

The state of the Hudson Valley economy

Westfair Communications —7/17/2015 12:00:00 AM

"As we invest in the Hudson Valley’s future, it’s critical we have an honest discussion about the evolving importance of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math — known collectively as STEaM — in workforce training and the potential these areas have to influence economic growth in our region." Read More.

Federal Reserve blames immigrant kids for robbing jobs from 'native' U.S. teens

Washington Examiner—7/16/2015 12:00:00 AM

"American teen employment has dropped 20 percent from the late 1980s, in part because more and more immigrants have flooded into the market to displace native-born kids from jobs in percentages far higher than on adults, according to the Federal Reserve." Read More.

The Myth Of the Summer Job

attn—7/15/2015 12:00:00 AM

"What did you do all summer?" Read More.

Chicago to kick off big-business jobs initiative

Chicago Tribune —7/13/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Chicago will be the kickoff site for the 100,000 Opportunities Initiative, a new coalition of big businesses hoping to provide jobs or training for disadvantaged 16- to 24-year-olds." Read More.

Starbucks-led coalition commits to hiring 100,000 disconnected youth

USA Today —7/13/2015 12:00:00 AM

"A coalition of executives from some of the nation's largest companies, spearheaded by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, pledged to hire 100,000 young Americans who have been shut out of the job market." Read More.

Take the path to higher-paying jobs in the Hudson Valley

Poughkeepsie Journal—7/11/2015 12:00:00 AM

Workers’ pay in many occupations still catching up

The Boston Globe —7/8/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Six years after the recession ended, workers in most occupations in New England have yet to regain the buying power they had before the historic downturn began at the end of 2007." Read More.

Jobs Report 2015: What Happened To Summer Jobs For Teens?

International Business Times —7/2/2015 12:00:00 AM

"For many, it was a part of growing up. Whether stirred by boredom, necessity or the desire for a little extra spending money, about half of all Americans between ages 16 and 19 used to work jobs during the summer. Today, less than one-third of them do. Thursday's jobs report shows the U.S. economy added 223,000 payroll positions in June, but only a small portion of them were seasonal jobs for teenagers." Read More.

Why the class of 2015 has a big advantage

Marketplace—6/25/2015 12:00:00 AM

"We would like to believe that our career success is all because of brains and hard work, but economic research tells us that a fair amount of it comes down to accidents of birth and timing. Finishing college at the wrong time, for example, can be costly." Read More.

Hudson Valley millennials are feeling the pinch

Poughkeepsie Journal —6/25/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The recession is “half over,” but Hudson Valley millennials are still feeling the pinch, according to labor expert and director for the Center of Labor Market and Policy at Drexel University Paul Harrington." Read More.

What you should know about working teens

New Jersey 101.5 —6/22/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The school year is wrapping up in districts throughout the state, and a good number of New Jersey teenagers will be taking on employment during the summer months." Read More.

New National Report: Teens Face Summer Scarcity Of Jobs

PR Newswire —6/18/2015 12:00:00 AM

"A new report's projection of continued high unemployment among teenagers, and the threat of cuts in funding for summer youth employment programs could be an early indicator of escalating violence in urban America's toughest neighborhoods." Read More.

Teens Hoping For More Jobs, Higher Wages This Summer

WRVO Public Media —6/5/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Recipe for a good summer-job market: First, hire a lot of people in May. Second, give workers raises, and third, push down gasoline prices. Mix it all together — and pour out hope for teen workers." Read More.

Teens Hoping For More Jobs, Higher Wages This Summer

NPR—6/5/2015 12:00:00 AM

It's Summer. Where Are Students Working?

Education Week —6/3/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Greg Fischer, the mayor of Louisville, Ky., remembers his first summer job—cutting grass as a 14-year-old." Read More.

Raimondo's jobs plan puts a lot at stake

The Providence Journal —5/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

"For every question posed in the 2014 Rhode Island governor’s campaign, then-candidate Gina Raimondo had an answer: jobs." Read More.

Affluent teens twice as likely to find seasonal work

The Boston Globe —5/28/2015 12:00:00 AM

"From her dorm room at Milton Academy, Mariah Redfern searches for a full-time summer job that will help her buy new clothes and pay for American University, which she will attend in the fall and where tuition alone tops $40,000 a year." Read More.

College Grad Hiring Blitz Hits Philly

Philadelphia Magazine —5/22/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Anybody who graduated college in the past seven years should be jealous of the class of 2015. Just a few years ago, college grads were freaking out about not being able to find jobs. This year, they should be planning on living life outside of mom and dad’s house because the job market is wide open — especially in Philly." Read More.

What’s working? What’s not?

The Notebook —5/20/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The on-time high school graduation rate in Philadelphia has risen from 52 to 65 percent over the last eight years. A new report shows that the most rapid progress has been among traditionally at-risk groups including Black males, Hispanics, students in foster care, and those involved in the juvenile justice system." Read More.

Teen Summer Jobs Growing Slowly According to New Drexel Report

DrexelNow—5/14/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The teen summer job outlook of 2015 is expected to be a slight improvement over the previous five summers, according to a new report from Drexel University’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy. It’s a disappointing forecast even as the national economy has seen a sharp rise in the pace of new job creation." Read More.

Philadelphia teens are left behind in jobs recovery, with black male teens faring worst of all

Phys.org —5/12/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Since the end of the Great Recession in early 2010, the economy has rebounded, adding nearly 11.5 million jobs and increasing employment above pre-recession levels. In the last year alone, the nation generated more than one quarter of these jobs, expanding employment levels by 3.3 million. But as the economy has bounced back, how have teens fared?" Read More.

For new college grads, job market is best in a decade

The Boston Globe —5/11/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The class of 2015 will enter what economists say is the best job market for new college graduates in nearly a decade, as the improving US economy and accelerating retirements of baby boomers create job openings across many fields." Read More.

Philadelphia Teens Are Left Behind in Jobs Recovery, Black Male Teens Fare Worst of All

DrexelNow—5/11/2015 12:00:00 AM

Costs and job market collide over the value of college education

Telegram.com —5/10/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Trying to find a college in Central Massachusetts that will give you the most bang for your buck?" Read More.

Phila. lags in employment of teens

The Philadelphia Inquirer —5/10/2015 12:00:00 AM

"It didn't take long for Walter Mitchell, 16, to draw a connection between teenagers without jobs in Philadelphia and the recent looting and vandalism in Baltimore." Read More.

What’s Keeping Teens Out of Work

The Wall Street Journal—4/16/2015 12:00:00 AM

"It’s rough out there for teenagers who want to work." Read More.

7 things teenagers should know about getting a job and choosing a college

Lancaster Online —4/9/2015 12:00:00 AM

"We all know higher education is expensive, and student debt is soaring. But is the investment worth it? And what are the best places to put your money?" Read More.

Would you like some regulations with that order?

Las Vegas Review-Journal—4/2/2015 12:00:00 AM

"There’s no doubt that for teenagers, getting that first job is vitally important. It’s a harbinger for success that could last years, perhaps even the rest of their working lives." Read More.

Money from investor visas floods U.S., but doesn’t reach targeted poor areas

The Seattle Times —3/7/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The developer of a 44-story downtown skyscraper boasts on its website that it’s “a prestigious address in the center of Seattle’s legal, financial, creative and technology workforces."" Read More.

Chicago Teens Face Barren Job Market, New Report Finds

Progress Illinois —2/3/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The difference between life on the streets and having a future is a summer job, several teens testified at a recent Chicago Urban League hearing on the city's high youth unemployment rate." Read More.

Two States One!

HVEDC-JLL Quarterly Economic Report—2/2/2015 12:00:00 AM

"" Read More.

Teen unemployment continues to rise in Chicago

Catalyst Chicago —1/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

"The economic recovery has done nothing to curb joblessness among Chicago teenagers, according to a new report from the Center for Labor Markets and Policy at Drexel University." Read More.

Teen unemployment remains stubbornly high, study finds

The Chicago Tribune —1/30/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Angelo Ross said he hunted for a job for three years before landing an internship at a fast-food restaurant in November." Read More.

Who doesn’t get paid sick leave?

The CW Colorado KWGN —1/20/2015 12:00:00 AM

"Coming to work sick can be miserable, but millions of American workers can’t afford to stay home." Read More.

Who doesn’t get paid sick leave?

CNN—1/20/2015 12:00:00 AM

"President Obama wants Congress to pass legislation that would allow employees to earn up to seven days of paid sick leave a year." Read More.