Accelerating
Pathways
Accelerating Pathways, commissioned by the Citi Foundation and conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit, is a global research initiative that offers an in-depth look at how 35 global cities support young people's economic ambitions.
This research initiative includes a city-level index and a survey of youth meant to spark dialogue around what approaches are working and what else is needed.
Youth Economic Strategy Index
Methodology and key findings report that provides an in-depth look at how 35 cities around the globe are creating economic opportunity for young people.
- Government Support & Institutional Framework for Youth
- Employment & Entrepreneurship
- Education & Training
- Human & Social Capital
To Download Please Visit Desktop Site
Interactive Database Tool
Publicly available, comparative dataset that can be analyzed through various lenses: by city, by region and through specific metrics.
Database designed to help decision-makers, practitioners and scholars analyze the factors that contribute to creating an enabling economic environment for youth.
Due to compatibility issues, some of the tool's features may not be available.
Download the databaseTo Download Please Visit Desktop Site
Global Youth Survey 2015
More than 5,000 young people aged 18-25 in 35 cities around the world were polled to find out what works for them.
Key findings show globally youths in cities are more optimistic, aspirational, mobile, technological and civically engaged.
of today's youth expressed an interest in working for themselves or starting their own business
of today's youth have moved in the past 5 years for work, education, or a better life
of today's youth are optimistic about their economic futures
Gallery
Youth Offline
Youth Offline: Majority of youth surveyed see computer skills as critical to success yet internet access remains unavailable to most.
A Day in the Life of 24 Year-Old Micheal
Micheal, now a Washington DC resident, originally from Compton, CA, tells a story of aspiration, mobility and civic engagement. He works at MLT as a mentor for teens and recent graduates trying to build careers - young people who had a rough start like his.
Millennial Mindset
Millennial Mindset: Young people the world over express interest in working for themselves, and this entrepreneurial spirit is consistently high from the world's richest cities to the poorest. Self-employment or founding a business broadly appeals to survey respondents.
A Day in the Life of 20 Year-Old Buki
Buki, a 20 year old entrepreneur with a very successful hair extension line, tells a story of entrepreneurship, aspiration and civic engagement. The West Londoner started her own business at 12 with the support of her family and the Young Enterprise program. She runs two additional online businesses, which employ 10 people and is studying for a law degree.
But perhaps the most impressive thing about Buki is not her creativity or drive, it is her commitment to making a difference by giving back. After the loss of her uncle to cancer -- Buki began working alongside Cancer Research and other local charities to provide wigs to cancer and alopecia patients.
Opportunity Seekers
Opportunity Seekers: The promise of a better life motivates young people to move to cities. Roughly half of respondents (47%) have migrated to current cities of residence in the last five years for work, education or a better life – 90% from within the same country.
A Day in the Life of 19 Year-Old Brittney
Brittney, a current sophomore at St. Johns University, tells a story of optimism, aspiration and mobility. She immigrated to the US from Jamaica with her family in search of a better life. Growing up she endured bullying and prejudice, but in high school her mentor helped her define her path. Brittney now commutes two hours each day to pursue her passion for History while also working at the campus library to help fund her studies. And she has grand plans to help others learn from her experience.
Gender Pay Gap
Gender Pay Gap: Young women start on their economic development path at a disadvantage that persists as they grow older. Throughout the 35 cities studied, men earn at least 20% more than women in the 18-25 year-old age group.
A Day in the Life of 21 Year-Old Anuar
Anuar's story is one of entrepreneurship, aspiration and technology. The 21 year old from Singapore is a member of a cycling club, 'The Scalar Crew'. He went to ITE, a vocational training school, where he became president of the Entrepreneurship club. Two years ago Anuar witnessed a motorcycle accident that set him on a new path. SCALAR CONCEPT is his ambitious start-up focused on developing accessories to keep cyclists safe.
Youth Optimism
Youth Optimism: Hopefulness about economic prospects persists even among youth who live in cities with the lowest incomes. Young people are aspirational and optimistic, bringing the energy needed by cities to tackle the many challenges they face.
A Day in the Life of 22 Year-Old Anna
Anna's story is one of aspiration and dependency. Orphaned at 13 and living on her own at 16 in Toronto, Anna relied on support from a neighboring family and her boyfriend. Despite the challenges she faced, Anna remained focused on moving forward, excelling in school and spending any free time she had volunteering and dancing. With the support of Children's Aid Foundation, she graduated from Ryerson University with honors. Today, she is training to become a registered dance psychotherapist, while also working as a crisis counselor for Victim Services - a role for which she is uniquely qualified.
Harsh Realities
Harsh Realities: Young people today are optimistic about their futures despite high rates of youth unemployment and its related lifelong impact. Youth unemployment in the cities studied was 3.4x higher than the rest of society. Not only is unemployment bad for young people now, but research shows that every six months of forgone work experience and missed opportunities to develop skills can cost a person $22,000 over 10 years.
Bright Futures
Bright Futures: Young people across the globe today are extremely optimistic about their economic futures.
Youth Economic Progress
Youth Economic Progress: Cities that prioritize youth-centered economic development strategies create the best environments for young people to live and work.