According to federal statistics, the unemployment rate of 18-29 year olds reached 12.1% in May 2012 and when those who have given up looking for work are added in, the rate skyrockets to 16.9%

Among the very young, 16-19 year olds, unemployment is 20.6%. Among African Americans in that age group the rate is 40.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.