The importance of ages 18-24

The years between 18 and 24 represent one of the most pivotal periods in human development. It's when young people transition from adolescence to adulthood, make critical decisions about education and careers, establish patterns that will shape their futures, and build the foundation for the rest of their lives. Understanding why these years matter so much — and supporting young people through them — is essential for everyone involved in their development.

Here, we’re gathered five reasons why the ages of 18-24 are so important for students:

1. Brain development and decision-making capacity

One of the most important things to understand about ages 18-24 is that the brain is still developing. Research consistently shows that the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and long-term planning — continues maturing well into the mid-twenties.

This doesn't mean young adults can't make good decisions, but it does mean they're making those decisions with brains that are still under construction. As one analysis explains, during emerging adulthood (roughly ages 18-25), young people can function similarly to older adults in calm situations, but under conditions of high emotion or social pressure, their brains may respond more like those of 16- or 17-year-olds.

Practically, that means these years are crucial for establishing positive patterns and making intentional choices about education and career paths. The brain's ongoing development also means it's highly responsive to new learning and skill development, making this an ideal time for career training and education. Employment and structured learning during these years aren't just about earning money or credentials; they're associated with improved cognitive functioning and increased neuroplasticity.

For career colleges, this underscores the importance of providing not just technical training but also support systems that help students navigate decisions, manage stress, and build habits that will serve them throughout their careers.

2. Career exploration and job mobility

The 18-24 age group experiences remarkable career mobility. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that young workers aged 18-24 hold an average of 5.7 to 5.9 jobs during these years. This isn't a sign of failure — it's a normal part of career development as young people explore different opportunities, learn what they enjoy, and discover where their skills fit.

And this exploration phase is actually quite valuable. As young people try different jobs and training programs, they learn about their abilities and interests while continuing to develop their professional identity.

Career colleges serve a critical function during this exploratory period by providing focused training that gives young people marketable skills while they're figuring out their direction. Rather than drifting through low-wage jobs with no clear advancement path, students in career training programs are building credentials and capabilities that increase their options.

The statistics also reveal a concerning reality: youth unemployment remains elevated, with rates around 10.8% for 16-24 year-olds as of 2025. Even those who are employed often lack the skills or credentials that would lead to career advancement rather than just jobs. Career education addresses this gap directly by providing clear pathways from training to employment in fields with demonstrated demand.

3. Financial independence and stability

Ages 18-24 are when most young people begin taking financial responsibility for their own lives — and the decisions they make during these years have long-lasting economic consequences. Whether someone pursues expensive four-year degrees, enters the workforce immediately, or invests in focused career training shapes their financial trajectory for decades.

The data is sobering: Many Americans report that financial pressures have forced them to stay in jobs longer than they'd prefer. For young people just starting out, making smart decisions about education costs and career preparation can mean the difference between financial flexibility and being trapped by debt.

Career colleges offer a compelling value proposition during these critical years. Programs that can be completed in months or a couple of years, rather than four-plus years, mean students enter the workforce sooner and begin earning sooner. The total cost of education is typically lower, reducing debt burden. And because career college programs focus on skills that employers actually need, graduates often find employment quickly in their chosen fields.

For counselors advising students, understanding the financial implications of different educational paths is crucial. A student who completes a two-year HVAC program and begins working at 20 has a fundamentally different financial trajectory than one who spends six years pursuing (and potentially not completing) a bachelor's degree while accumulating significant debt.

4. Identity formation and life direction

Erik Erikson's developmental theories identify late adolescence and early adulthood as the stage when people establish their identity and sense of direction. The choices young people make between 18 and 24 — about education, careers, relationships, and values — become part of how they understand themselves and their place in the world.

This identity formation happens whether we're intentional about supporting it or not. Young people who drift through these years without structure, mentorship, or clear goals often struggle to establish strong professional identities. Those who engage in meaningful work, pursue focused training, and build skills develop confidence and clarity about their capabilities and direction.

Career education supports positive identity formation by providing structure, competence-building experiences, and connection to professional communities. When a 19-year-old learns to weld, earns certifications, and joins a workforce where their skills are valued, they're not just learning a trade — they're developing an identity as a skilled professional. That self-concept shapes their choices and trajectory for years to come.

For schools and career colleges, this means recognizing that you're not just teaching skills, but helping young people discover who they are and what they're capable of becoming.

5. Risk and opportunity

The final reason ages 18-24 matter so much is simple: These years represent both significant risk and tremendous opportunity. Young people who are not in education, employment, or training during this period face increased risk of long-term negative outcomes. Even a single period of being disconnected from education and employment can increase the chances of lasting disadvantage.

But the opportunity is equally significant. Young people who receive quality training, build marketable skills, and enter stable career paths during these years set themselves up for success. The brain's plasticity means they can learn quickly and adapt readily. Their energy and lack of competing responsibilities (like mortgages and families to support) mean they can throw themselves into skill development in ways that may be harder later.

This is why career colleges, high school counselors, and families all play such crucial roles. The decisions made during ages 18-24 have ripple effects that extend throughout a person's life. When we provide young people with clear pathways, quality training, supportive environments, and realistic information about their options, we're not just helping them find jobs—we're helping them build lives.

Are you an 18-24 year-old looking to set yourself up for future success? Welcome to the Imagine America Foundation. We offer resources (including scholarships!) to people in your exact position. Learn more!