The U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor will hold a hearing Thursday to address effects of the recession on young Americans.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 18 percent of 16- to 24-year-olds are unemployed, compared to a 9.7 percent national average.
The hearing was scheduled in response to a conference organized by the 80 Million Strong for Young American Jobs coalition.
The coalition was formed by leaders from the nation's leading youth organizations and works to endorse policy platforms that create jobs and economic opportunities for young people.
""In order to strengthen the American economy, we must invest in young adults,"" 80 Million Strong co-chair Hilary Doe said in a statement.
She added, ""We cannot leave this young generation crippled with debt and waiting for jobs; we need to help them stand up and lead the new economy, lifting the burden of all generations in the process.""
