Definitions and Terms

Definitions & Terms

Overview August 23, 2021

The following are definitions of words commonly used within this toolkit.

Young people, teenagers and young adults aged 12-24.
In-school. Youth that are enrolled in a school environment that may be online or in-person, K-12 and/or post-secondary. Youth are ages 14-21. Source: Congressional Record Service
Out-of-school. Youth that have left school but are not yet in the workforce. Youth are ages 16-24. Source: Congressional Record Service
Opportunity Youth or Disconnected Youth. Youth in vulnerable or disadvantaged populations that may need additional supports and services. Source: Aspen Community Solutions
Generation Alpha. Born between 2010 and 2025. The generation is in development but early data mentions Generation Alpha will be more likely to go to college, more likely to grow up in a single-parent household and more likely to be surrounded by college-educated adults. Source: What Is Generation Alpha? – The Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org)
Generation Z. Born between 1995 and 2010, the Zoomer and Digital Native Generation is racially diverse and comes from diverse family structures. While Gen Z is maturing still, early data indicates the generation is focused on equity and resource stewardship and individuals will be socially-minded, independent thinkers. Source: What the Statistics Say About Generation Z – The Annie E. Casey Foundation (aecf.org)

Volunteering. Unpaid community service activities that engage young people in their community.
Voting. Learning about and participating in elections and other decision-making processes.
Leading. Youth spearheading civic and community affairs.

Marketing. Leveraging communication channels like media to share information with and connect to young people
Engagement. Robust strategies that enable a local agency to build a relationship and trust with young people.

Civic life includes participating in community events, public meetings, and decision-making.
Registering to vote or voting in elections
Leading community activities and fostering peer engagement

Programs or initiatives that inform current or potential employees about various jobs through coaching, informational interviews, job shadowing, internships, apprenticeships, or transitional placement into positions.