Motivating youths to further their education and seek career-tech education as a possible career path may help lead them towards a path of self sufficiency and reduce the number of out-of-school, out-of-work youths.

“Our economy, national security, and social cohesion face a precarious future if our nation fails to develop now the comprehensive policies and programs needed to help all youth. In developing these policies and programs, it is crucial to recognize the growing gap between more fortunate youth and those with far fewer advantages…. Unless we are motivated, at least in part, by our belief in young people and our sense of obligation to them, we risk losing more than we can ever hope to win.

William T. Grant Foundation Commission on Work, Family and Citizenship, 1988