Adolescent Health
Program Overview
Approximately one in nine young people between the ages of 16 and 24 is disconnected from school or work. These youth—often called “opportunity youth” to highlight the benefits of addressing their needs—are nearly twice as likely to live in poverty than their connected counterparts. While the youth disconnection rate has been declining every year since 2010, COVID-19 has likely erased that progress in a matter of months. Now, more than ever, the tools of public health can be used to design systemic solutions that promote connection and re-engage young people. Opportunities include effective policies to keep young people in school and connect them to employment and innovative program and service delivery supported by new approaches for data collection. A critical element for all these efforts is to engage young people to ensure their voices are at the center of this work.
Meet Our Experts
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Tamar Mendelson, PhD
Tamar Mendelson, PhD, is a Bloomberg Professor of American Health and Director of the Center for Adolescent Health, with joint appointments in the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health.
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Kristin Mmari, DrPH
Kristin Mmari, DrPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health.
Learn moreSupporting Research and Projects with Impact
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Preventing Sexual Abuse in Youth Serving Organizations
A framework of best practices that youth serving organizations can adopt in their local settings to protect the children and teens in their care.
Learn moreExplore how Adolescent Health is affected by Environmental Challenges.
Learn moreSupporting a New Generation of Public Health Leaders
The Bloomberg Fellows Program provides world-class public health training for individuals engaged with organizations tackling critical challenges facing the United States.
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