Advocates for Young Adults About Us

Advocates for Young Adults

MISSION STATEMENT

To improve people's professional and personal lives
through financial and civic education.

A Population at Risk (see stats)

Young adults aged 18-34 make up 25% of the U.S. population. Without the proper
training, many are unable to manage their financial responsibilities effectively and are
at risk for accruing substantial debt due to over-spending, high interest rates, bad
loans, over-the-limit and late fees, back taxes or health bills. Not understanding the full
scope of financial or employment benefits available to them can put young adults at a
further disadvantage.

Recognizing a Need

Advocates for Young Adults was born out of the realization that a large number of young
people leaving high school or college have never been taught many life skills they will
need to know. Schools don't have the time in their curricula and many parents don't
have the time or energy or understanding themselves. We're here to work with
individuals, schools, businesses or organizations to teach anyone who wants to
improve their understanding of personal finances, professional development or civic
responsibility.

Addressing the Problem

We believe that informed people make better decisions, and better decisions reduce
stress-- a major problem in today's society. Studies have shown that stress is one of
the primary factors in workplace inefficiency and missed work days in the United
States. According to a survey of 800,000 workers in over 300 companies, the number
of employees calling in sick because of stress tripled from 1996-2000. An estimated 1
million workers are absent every day due to stress. [National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health, 2000]

We believe that education is the key to providing much needed life skills to prepare
young adults for the difficult decisions ahead.