their tremendous potential, can add great social and economic value to our communities and the economy, if given the appropriate supports and resources. According to the Opportunity Index, an annual measurement of opportunity in a geographic region, the number of opportunity youth, along with educational attainment and poverty rates, are strongly linked to overall opportunity in communities. When young adults do well, communities do well. (8) Despite their talent and motivation, many opportunity youth lack access to the training, education, and entry-level jobs that can help them gain the work experience and credentials needed to successfully transition into the labor market. (9) Lack of access to entry-level jobs can limit a young adult’s ability to accrue early work experience and demonstrate productivity and work readiness to potential employers. Labor market shifts have also limited opportunities for young people without a high school diploma or with limited postsecondary credentials. (10) Summer and year-round youth employment programs that connect young people with entry-level jobs give youth the work experience and opportunity for skill development needed to transition into the labor market and prevent points of disconnection, such as involvement in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. (11) Evidence suggests that summer youth employment programs may help in-school youth remain connected to the education system. A 2014 study of the New York City Summer Youth Employment Program found that after program participation, youth older than 16 increased their school attendance by four or five additional days compared to their previous fall semester attendance. This attendance increase represented 25 percent of the total days students were permitted to miss school and still continue on to the next grade. (12) Evidence shows that participation in summer youth employment programs also reduces the rate of violent crimes arrests. For example, a 2014 study of Chicago’s One Summer Plus program shows that the