Two UMass Amherst undergraduate students, Mark Paul ’11 and Anastasia Wilson ’11, were recent guest contributors for The Baseline Scenario, an economic blog dedicated to explaining global economic issues and developing policy proposals. In their article, “How Are the Kids? Unemployed, Underwater, and Sinking” they discuss challenges for young college graduates. According to Paul and Wilson, not only are young adults having trouble landing a job, with only half of B.A. holders able to secure a position which requires such a degree, they are also facing massive student load debt. The average student debt for the class of 2008 was $23,200.
Paul and Wilson suggest that investing in green energy and technology may be the solution. “Green collar industry would naturally target the young workers who are up to date on the high-tech nature of green jobs, and much research and development would, as with most budding industries, take place at academic research institutions like public universities – a two-for-one stimulus in both jobs and education.” Read more…
This article has also been been referenced by Naked Capitalism and The Huffington Post.