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The role of social capital in promoting work readiness among opportunity youth

Author

Listed:
  • Boat, Ashley A.
  • Syvertsen, Amy K.
  • Scales, Peter C.

Abstract

Social capital is one of the most valuable entry points into the workforce. Yet, large portions of America’s opportunity youth lack the relationships, connections, and resources required to prepare them for work. Programs that foster social capital are one promising avenue for enhancing the work readiness of these youth. The current study examined whether social capital built through developmental relationships and valuable program resources (i.e., goal support and learning opportunities) would result in greater levels of work readiness among 291 youth (age 14–24, 48% female, 83% youth of color), who participated in community wraparound support programs using the common program enhancement model known as Opportunity Reboot. Findings showed that learning opportunities mediated the association between youths’ developmental relationships and growth in work readiness. The study contributes to the literature by providing support for a pathway through which social capital can be built and ultimately strengthen opportunity youths’ work readiness.

Suggested Citation

  • Boat, Ashley A. & Syvertsen, Amy K. & Scales, Peter C., 2021. "The role of social capital in promoting work readiness among opportunity youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 131(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:131:y:2021:i:c:s0190740921003467
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Francis Kramarz & Oskar Nordström Skans, 2014. "When Strong Ties are Strong: Networks and Youth Labour Market Entry," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 81(3), pages 1164-1200.
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    1. Mahlako Mashu Mothema & Ntsieni Fitzgerald Ramasimu & Godfrey Maake, 2025. "Is there a relationship between job satisfaction and work engagement?," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 14(4), pages 160-170, June.
    2. Tyson McCrea, Katherine & Wilkins, Kaleigh V. & Richards, Maryse & “Cynthia” Onyeka, Ogechi & Miller, Kevin M. & DiClemente, Cara & Moore, Amzie & Watson, Heather L. & Gillis-Harry, Kassie & Jenkins, , 2024. "“We got to stand up and speak”: Youth in high-poverty, high-crime urban communities of color reflect on their cross-age mentoring program," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 163(C).

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