The COVID-19 pandemic and recession have intensified young adult unemployment and disconnection, increasing young people’s need for good job opportunities. The federal government urgently needs to address both the aging of its workforce and racial and gender inequity, particularly in senior positions, and hiring more young people can strengthen the diversity of the pipeline. This memo recommends an equity-focused executive order—centering communities of color and high-poverty communities—to increase young adult recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement in federal government jobs.

Introduction

By tapping people’s full potential, economic inclusion provides a strong foundation for a prosperous economy. Particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and recession, young people urgently need good job opportunities. Any serious national economic recovery agenda must address the challenge of youth employment in an ambitious and viable way, and the federal government has several critical roles to play—including as an employer.

As the nation’s largest employer and the workforce led by the President, the federal government must lead on equity and set an example for other employers to follow. The federal government urgently needs to address both the aging of its workforce and racial and gender inequity, particularly in senior positions. Hiring more young people can strengthen the diversity of the pipeline feeding senior government positions. Improved equity in the federal government workforce will also help make possible government services, programs, and policies that better serve the American public.

We recommend that the new Biden-Harris Administration (hereafter, “Biden Administration”) issue an equity-focused executive order—centering communities of color and high-poverty communities—to increase young adult recruitment, hiring, retention, and advancement in federal government jobs.