Pathways out of Poverty: Boys and Men of Color and Jobs in the Health Sector

Rapid job growth in California's health sector is presented as a potential remedy for the crisis of high unemployment among boys and men of color in that state. The report outlines viable pathways to make this opportunity a reality through coordinated effort on public K-12 education, the juvenile justice system, and men's health.

• Between 2010 and 2020, California health care and health services employment will grow by 27 percent. More than one-third of the new jobs created will require only a high school diploma or some community college. Tweet
• California's allied health professions workforce is relatively diverse, with people of color comprising 66 percent of staff, but males represent only 15 percent. Connecting boys and men of color to these careers can increase cultural competency and improve the quality of care for male patients of color. Tweet
• California Careers Pathway Trust will make available $250 million, which the education system in collaboration with the health industry can take advantage of to create linked-learning pathway programs. Tweet
• Requirements for many health care jobs in California disproportionately impact males of color by preventing those with criminal histories from gaining employment. Recommendations by Equal Employment Opportunities Commission should be put in place to create more sensible, flexible policies. Tweet
• Given the disproportionate number of boys and men of color in California affected by poverty and violence, emotional and mental health outreach specifically for this population should be a priority. Tweet