State-Of-Black-Oregon-2015

CHAPTER 3PREPARE, SUPPORT & EMPLOYThe greatest predictor of Oregon’s future prosperity is the status of its youth.Communities of color continue to grow, including Black Oregonians. Ourstate’s economy will increasingly rely on their skills, expertise, innovationand creativity to remain competitive. Black youth need to be preparedfor emerging economic opportunities and given the foundations to build wealthwithin their communities. This preparation will guarantee that the next 10 years looksignificantly better for Black Oregonians, and therefore our entire state.Leading strategies for prosperity are job preparation, career pathways and training, work-basedlearning, financial literacy and higher education opportunities. Preparing the next generation forsuccess will require policymakers to end profiling practices that channel Black youth into thecriminal justice system.Unemployment Rate by Age(2013)BlackWhiteCollege Debt(National)16–19 years23 %STUDENTS WHOBORROW MONEY20–24 years16–24 years16+ years55 % 18 %28 % 16 %4 % General populationMandatory Minimum Sentencing(Measure 11 Indictments)16 %18 %BlackWhite19 % Indictments61 %75 %DO NOT FINISHCOLLEGE DUETO DEBTBlack69 %Black65 %White43 %WhiteGraduation RatesBlack57 %4-years59 %5-years9 % BlackFINISH WITHOVER $30,500OR MORE DEBT81 % 16 %27 %White71 %4-years75 %5-yearsWhite52