How the Youth Social Entrepreneurship (YSE) Model Supports Implementation of SDG #8 to bring Economic Growth and Decent Work in American Cities

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #8 promotes inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. This includes reducing the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training, along with strategies to identify and provide support to opportunity youth (youth who are neither in school nor the workplace). In the state of Minnesota, the need is especially great. The gaps between Black and white Labor Market Participation Rate (LMPR) and the Employment to Population Ratio (EPOP), which have been tracked since 1972, reveal the need for a systemic solution.