Often Overlooked but Not Unseen: An Overview of Highly Mobile Youth in the U.S.

There were nearly 2 million highly mobile youth (HMY) in the United States in the 2021-22 school year. These youth—including those experiencing homelessness, in foster care, migratory students, and those involved in the juvenile legal system—face compounded challenges that disrupt their education, health, and future opportunities.This brief uncovers the urgent needs of these underserved populations, highlighting the systemic barriers they encounter, from poverty and language barriers to neighborhood violence and childhood trauma. The research underscores the disproportionate impact on Black and Brown youth and calls for targeted interventions to provide the support they deserve.Learn more on the CTS website.