08/15/2022
Every new year presents an opportunity for honest reflection. As the foundation transitions into a new decade, it’s important for us to understand where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and how we can go forward, especially in the context of today’s realities.
It’s easy to assume that the country’s low unemployment rate and high job growth mean we’re living in a time of prosperity for all. Yet when we look closer, it’s clear that not all Americans are thriving. Millions of young people—and disproportionately youth of color—continue to fall through the cracks, unable to access, secure, or retain meaningful jobs. Junior enlisted service members and their families struggle as they transition from military to civilian life. And one in 10 young adults ages 18-25 experience some form of homelessness over the course of a year. While the economic data points to widespread well-being, the reality is a growing disparity that continues to penalize young people based on their background and circumstances.
This is unacceptable, which is why we continue to explore how we, as a family foundation, can have the greatest impact on young people’s lives and livelihoods.
As our foundation has grappled with these tough issues, two core tenets have emerged:
INEQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST ISSUES OF OUR TIMES; AND
YOUNG PEOPLE ARE OUR COUNTRY’S GREATEST UNTAPPED ASSETS, AND THERE IS NO BETTER INVESTMENT INTO OUR SHARED FUTURE THAN INVESTING IN THEIR FUTURE.
These beliefs inform our vision to create opportunities for all young people to feel valued, engaged, and inspired—in their lives as well as in their communities.
Spending time with young people who are in the midst of realizing their potential is an extraordinary experience. To see a flash of joy in someone’s eyes, or to witness a timid but proud smile always moves my heart. I recently had the privilege of experiencing such special moments at a celebration for YouthBuild. The event brought together teenagers who were just beginning their journeys to graduate high school or learn a new trade, recent high school and college graduates who were starting jobs, and older men and women who were forging their own paths to financial stability and were eager to give back to YouthBuild as mentors. Witnessing multiple generations begin to realize their potential—by reaching out for support and by providing it—was a powerful testament to the immeasurable determination of America’s youth.