Foto eines Schaufensters mit USA-Souvenirs

Introduction

Youth in the USA

Framework for Growing Up in the United States

The United States have an effect on our everyday lives like hardly any other country, whether it is through political debates, global tech trends, or just a new blockbuster that’ hitting the big screen. There is ongoing interest in the country, especially amongst German youth. For students, the USA remain one of the most popular destinations for long-term exchanges. Therefore, learning and understanding this nation is imperative.

On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, IJAB has been working to intensify U.S.-German-cooperation since 2021. We want to give youth service professionals and youth the opportunity to learn more about the framework and system that young US-Americans grow up in.

The following script provides an insight into the field of youth policy and youth work in a system that can be difficult to navigate even for nations due to the size of the country, its federal structure, and its diversity. Readers will learn why the philanthropic sector is so important in the U.S., understand the importance of educational institutions in youth work, and learn how structural racism continues to affect the social mobility of children and youth today. It might even help those active in transatlantic exchange to better understand and categorize U.S.-American partners or to look for new partners in the right place.

The information and insights presented here were written by a U.S.-citizen and edited by IJAB. They offer a glimpse into youth policy and youth work in the U. S. and we are happy to receive comments and suggestions.

Author: Deeneaus Polk
Edited by: Elena Neu, Natali Petala-Weber, Cathrin Piesche, Julia Weber

Content

Landkarte der USA auf einem braunen Tisch

Youth in the USA

General information about the United States

Information on structures, population, political system, religions, etc.

Junge Menschen stehen jubelnd auf einer Tribüne

Youth in the USA

Framework for Growing Up as a Youth in the US

Defining Youth, Demographic Shift, Different Realities Create Different Outcomes, Youth Situated Within Their Communities, LGBTQIA+, Youth With Disabilities, Driving, Family and Marriage, Pop Culture, Digitalization and Media, Guns and Violence, Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Youth Homelessness

Youth in the USA

Framework and Structures in the Field of Youth Policy

Stakeholders in Youth Policy, Topics in the Area of Children and Youth, Youth Participation / Youth Councils, Sampling of Youth Policy by State, Working with Youth in the United States

Youth in the USA

Topics in the Area of Children and Youth

Civic Education, Extracurricular Activities and Youth Development, Volunteer Opportunities for Post-Secondary Youth, Post-Secondary Volunteer Opportunities,Political Advocacy Youth Volunteering

Youth in the USA

Education

The Secondary School System, Demographics within the U.S. Educational System, Special Types of Schools Within the U.S. Education System, U.S. School Academics, Other School Aspects, Influences on the US Education System, School Reflections