April 29, 2008 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Recent high school graduates and labor force participation, October 2007

Of all 2007 high school graduates, 51.8 percent were participating in the labor force in October 2007.

Labor force participation rates of 2007 high school graduates 16 to 24 years old, October 2007
[Chart data—TXT]

Among recent high school graduates enrolled in college in October 2007, 93.2 percent were enrolled as full-time students. The labor force participation rate (the proportion of the population with a job or looking for work) was 37.3 percent for full-time students and 72.7 percent for part-time students.

About 64.1 percent of recent high school graduates enrolled in college were attending 4-year institutions. Of these students, 31.4 percent participated in the labor force; in contrast, 54.7 percent of students enrolled in 2-year institutions were in the labor force.

Recent high school graduates not enrolled in college in the fall of 2007 were more likely to be in the labor force than enrolled graduates (76.6 percent versus 39.7 percent).

This information is from a supplement to the October 2007 Current Population Survey. Additional information is available from "College Enrollment and Work Activity of 2007 High School Graduates," news release USDL 08-0559.

 

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