Rates of disconnected youth—young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are not in school or working—are highest among Black, Latino, and American Indian/Native American youth. Disconnection can lead to negative outcomes: greater risk of economic instability, mental health and/or substance use problems, and criminal justice involvement. Using Texas as a use-case, this brief explores where students would be at greatest risk of disconnection, and how risk of disconnection varies amongst students of different racial/ethnic groups. We also explore nonprofit density and per-pupil expenditures in Texas counties to understand where there is opportunity for increased investment in youth, and particularly youth of color. This analysis provides a framework for stakeholders to identify counties to target support and uplift the next generation of youth of color in Texas.
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