GCI Report Finds That Unemployment Rates for Chicago’s Young Black Women Doubled During the Pandemic
A recent report published by the Great Cities Institute and commissioned by the Alternative Schools Network found that the unemployment rate for Chicago's Black women aged 20-24 increase from 32% in 2019 to 60% in 2021. Associate director Matthew Wilson said that this was the study's most staggering finding.
The Alternative Schools Network commissioned the report in support of a bill before the Illinois Legislature to launch a statewide youth jobs program. City leaders view solutions to youth unemployment as essential for combatting high rates of gun violence and persistent poverty. The Alternative Schools Network held a press conference in Chicago on Thursday to highlight the study's findings and push for the proposed legislation. If adopted, the bill would allocate $300 million to coordinate jobs for up to 80,000 teens and young adults in Illinois. Read more here.
GCI's findings were also highlighted in an article by Block Club Chicago found here.