May 02, 2007 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Recent high school graduates and labor force participation

Of all 2006 high school graduates, 55 percent were participating in the labor force in October 2006.

Labor force participation rates of 2006 high school graduates 16 to 24 years old, October 2006
[Chart data—TXT]

Among recent high school graduates enrolled in college, 92.3 percent were full-time students. Of these full-time students, 40.8 percent were in the labor force, either working or looking for work, in October 2006. In contrast, 81.0 percent of part-time college students participated in the labor force.

More than 6 in 10 recent high school graduates who were enrolled in college attended 4-year institutions. The labor force participation rate for these students was 35.0 percent. In contrast, 58.8 percent of recent high school graduates enrolled in 2-year institutions were in the labor force.

Recent high school graduates who were not enrolled in college in the fall of 2006 were more likely than enrolled graduates to be in the labor force (76.4 versus 43.9 percent).

This information is from a supplement to the October 2006 Current Population Survey. Additional information is available from "College Enrollment and Work Activity of 2006 High School Graduates," (PDF) (TXT), news release USDL 07-0604. 

 

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