The future of work has received an avalanche of attention over the past several years from the media, academics, and policymakers. However, most discussion has been theoretical and speculative. And the challenges facing opportunity youth have largely been left out of this conversation.

Given this context, the Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions and the Economic Opportunities Program, with support from the Citi Foundation, developed a practical approach and toolkit that community leaders can use to begin to learn how the future of work is playing out right now in their local economies.

The toolkit includes:

• A framework and questions to guide conversations with employers and young adults to learn from them about the nature and structure of work in specific occupations and what’s changing now
• A guide to resources for conducting background labor market research to inform conversations
• Insights from three organizations that pilot-tested the approach and toolkit in their communities

Access the toolkit here.