The Wall Street Journal reports [1] a surge of interest by Millennials in cause-related jobs. Teach for America and the Peace Corps are experiencing a surge in applicants in response to these frightening statistics: “Only 59% of employers surveyed expect to hire 2008 graduates by the end of the summer, down from 76% the year before … “
Historically, the public sector has seen a surge of job applicants in slow economic times, it will be interesting to see how the slowdown affects the nonprofit sector and its ability to continue to hire young people. Hopefully, the slowdown and the employment prospects for young people will all show signs of recovery soon.
Comments
Teach for America and the Peace Corps are federal government programs and therefore not subject to the same economic forces as nonprofit and corporate jobs. This will mean that these great programs get even better candidates than last year as there are fewer alternatives for employment.
As you know, since the Case Foundation is a major funder, Service Nation is working to pass legislation early next year which would radically increase the federal budget for the Corporation for National and Community Service. This would mean that even in tough economic years these gems and programs like City Year would thrive.
In the toughest times we need the nonprofit sector more than ever. Nonprofits serve the growing number of those in need in the community and helps to give us hope. It also gives us all an avenue to make a difference, something that is important in times when we feel helpless.