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Teens Enter Summer With Brighter Job Prospects

A "now hiring'' sign is seen in a storefront window on July 5, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
A "now hiring'' sign is seen in a storefront window on July 5, 2012 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Ever since the Great Recession hit more than seven years ago, teenagers have had to compete for summer jobs with legions of older, unemployed workers. But now, with the national unemployment rate down to 5.4 percent, the outlook is improving for young workers.

There are headwinds, though, for low-income teens. A study from Drexel University in Philadelphia shows 20 percent of teenagers from families that earn less than $20,000 a year will find summer work – half the rate of kids from families earning $100,000 or more a year.

NPR’s Marilyn Geewax joins Here & Now’s Lisa Mullins with details.

Guest

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