Opportunity Says It All: How Five Communities Are Supporting the Transformation, Education and Employment Success of Young Black Men

Abstract

The daily lives of young black men living in communities of high-concentrated poverty can be a complex maze of split-second decisions, each of which challenges their safety and ability to attend work or school, visit family, or run routine errands. CLASP embarked on this project with a particular interest in understanding the essential mix of policies and practices needed to support young black men on a positive transformative journey that includes successful transitions to work, school, and life. Acknowledging that it takes much more than a single quality youth program—or even several programs—to address the disparities and inequalities young black men face.