Listen Live
Donate
 on air
    Schedule

    KCRW

    Read & Explore

    • News
    • Entertainment
    • Food
    • Culture
    • Events

    Listen

    • Live Radio
    • Music
    • Podcasts
    • Full Schedule

    Information

    • About
    • Careers
    • Help / FAQ
    • Newsletters
    • Contact

    Support

    • Become a Member
    • Become a VIP
    • Ways to Give
    • Shop
    • Member Perks

    Become a Member

    Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

    DonateGive Monthly

    Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

    Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
    Cookie Policy
    |FCC Public Files|

    Back to KCRW Reports

    KCRW Reports

    It's who you know: teens struggle to find summer jobs

    2026 seems as bad as 2025 for temporary entry-level work, unless you have an "in".

    • Share
    KCRW placeholderBy Daniella Lake • Aug 3, 2026 • 4m Listen

    Teens looking for a summer job are applying to dozens of places with little luck. Employers don't want to train someone for just a few months. And more adults are willing to work entry-level jobs.

    UCLA economic professor Lee Ohanian, says that's created a shift: "40 years ago, close to 60% of those in the 16 to 19 year old age range were actually part of the labor force. That’s dropped to about 35% today."

    Your best bet if you're a teen? Use your network  — whether it’s a family member who owns a business or a neighbor whose workplace is hiring.

    • KCRW placeholder

      Daniella Lake

      Reporter

      NewsLos AngelesTop PodcastsCulture
    Back to KCRW Reports