| Abstract: |
Adults who work with youth beyond school hours, beyond the school year, and outside of classroom settings play an essential role in young people's development. They hold jobs in a range of settings, including school- and community-based afterschool programs, summer learning programs and camps, sports, library and museum programs, youth employment programs, and more. Until now, there was little systematically collected and aggregated information about the people who make up this youth workforce, such as why they took these positions, why they stay in them, and what supports they need to do their jobs. Findings from the Power of Us, a national workforce survey conducted by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), can help broaden and deepen what is known about the people who serve in these roles, with findings related to their backgrounds, dedication to youth development, career paths, and needs in professional learning, well-being, and compensation. The survey is part of a larger Youth Fields Study, which was designed to respond to the long-standing need to update, broaden, and deepen understanding of who works with the nation's young people. The report draws from a survey of more than 7,000 youth-serving professionals and volunteers. It provides insights into the varied backgrounds, career paths, and experiences of those working with young people outside of the traditional school day and school year. The report features key findings that the researchers divided into the four overriding categories: (1) Career Pathways: Entry into the Youth Fields workforce, career progression, future employment; (2) Professional Learning: Career preparation, professional learning supports; (3) Professional Well-Being: Working conditions, inclusion, stress and burnout; and (4) Compensation: Pay, benefits. Understanding the motivations and experiences of the youth workforce is crucial to recruiting and retaining staff in these roles and improving their experiences at work. Survey findings suggest more support can be given by providing equitable pay and benefits at all levels, offering opportunities for career advancement and professional learning, and fostering a sense of belonging on the job and in the field. |