New York’s young adults face tremendous issues, from access to affordable higher education to a lack of adequate resources to meet their basic needs and the enormity of medical service pricing and medical debt. On November 30th – December 1st, Young Invincibles hosted the State of Young New York, a two-day policy summit featuring young adult stories, research, and recommendations from young adults.
Led by our Young Advocates Program members who are New York college and graduate students, the State of Young New York helped educate, align, and empower us to create the change we need. Our coalitions include young adults, college students, advocates, community-based organizations and partners, CUNY and SUNY faculty and staff, elected officials, and more. Check out some highlights below to gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing New York’s young adults and to help foster a more accessible, equitable, and prosperous New York for all.
Medical Debt: Health Care Access and Affordability
The COVID-19 pandemic, new diseases, pre-existing conditions, and health injuries impact not just our state’s young adults but also their finances. The price of obtaining adequate medical care is often unclear, with no listed prices to compare options. Adequate medical care is also often without price caps and by no means cheap. Even with insurance, the health care system leaves many young adults with debt that damages their family finances and their future. Medical debt can plague young adults not just throughout their careers, but their entire lifetime. What’s more, hospitals and debt collectors often resort to aggressive and extreme measures to collect on these debts, even going so far as to sue their patients. Watch our panel to hear from young adults about how medical debt has affected their lives and learn how to help make health care affordable for all New Yorkers!
Basic Needs: Food Insecurity, Housing Insecurity, and Mental Health
Hundreds of thousands of New York’s college students continue to struggle with affording rent, groceries and other basic needs. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, stories of financial instability leading to choosing among paying rent or buying food are common. Even more common and widespread are major concerns about the scarcity of adequate resources for meeting students’ mental health needs, especially for first-generation students, students of color, and those dealing with trauma. How can New York better meet the needs of young adults who have been hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic? Watch young adults in this session to learn about how to lead the change for a New York that ensures meeting students’ basic needs is a right!
Dual Enrollment: College Attainment and Success
Every year, millions of New York young adults enroll in college. However, thousands of these students are unable to persist and finish their degrees. One way to address college persistence and attainment are through college credit gaining opportunities, such as dual enrollment programs, allowing for students to gain valuable academic experience and often pricey college credits while in high school. Watch this session to hear directly from New York college students about how expanding college credit opportunities and programs save time, money and help them to earn degrees!