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 program reduced violent crime arrests among at-risk youth by approximately 43 percent, with crime reduction benefits lasting over a year after the program had ended. This reduction can have significant impact for young people, given the impact of a criminal record on future employment prospects and wages. (13) Despite its benefits, summer youth employment has declined by more than 40 percent during the past 12 years, at a loss of more than 3 million summer jobs for young Americans. A J.P. Morgan Chase study of 14 major U.S. cities found that summer youth employment programs were only able to provide opportunities for 46 percent of applicants in 2014. (14) According to research by Measure of America, the overwhelming number of youth disconnected from school and work come from disconnected communities marked by high adult unemployment, poverty, and racial segregation, as well as low levels of adult education attainment. These communities often lack the resources and supports needed to prevent and reverse youth disconnection. (15) Many at-risk or opportunity youth, finding that traditional pathways to educational attainment or employment are ill-matched to their individual needs, struggle to remain connected or reconnect to school and work. (16) For some youth, individual barriers—such as unstable housing, lack access to affordable child care or transportation, or involvement in the juvenile or criminal justice system—make it difficult to take advantage of existing employment and education pathways. (17) According the 2016 report, Supportive Services in Job Training and Education: A Research Review , studies suggest that education and training programs that offer supportive services, such as child care, transportation, and financial assistance, are associated with