The New Forgotten Half and Research Directions to Support Them

Building upon a previous publication released in 1988, this resource from the William T. Grant Foundation explores some of the key issues surrounding youth who enter but do not complete college and frequently find themselves excluded from jobs in today’s labor market, which typically require a postsecondary degree. This resource also offers suggestions for future research to increase the “new” forgotten half’s chances at economic security and success. These research objectives include: (1) describe the new college reality and its full range of options, odds, and outcomes; (2) understand how counseling and guidance can better help youth; and (3) consider institutional reforms, such as alignment, structured procedures, and school-work linkages.