Although young people across the United States have suffered disproportionately in the recent recession, the economic and social effects of high levels of youth unemployment have received only scant media and political attention and few state or federal dollars. Analyses of successful youth and young adult programs identified seven core principles underpinning successful programs to stimulate youth employment. Selected elements of those principles are as follows: (1) maintaining strong and effective connections between the program and employers; (2) focusing primarily on placing youths into paid positions; (3) viewing the initial job placement is one step in a continuing and long team relationship with the program/initiative to advance the participant's employment and income potential; (4) giving participants opportunities to gain additional skills and certification; (5) providing long-term support and assistance; (6) maintaining effective connections between the program and external providers of basic supports; and (7) providing financial and other incentives for good performance, peer group activities, and leadership opportunities. Public policies to supporting the following strategies are especially needed: (1) improve the employment potential of out-of-school and out-of-work young adults; (2) involve the not-for-profit and private sectors in job creation; and (3) increase opportunities for young people to gain additional training and embark on a career ladder. (9 tables/charts) (MN)