For Americans between the ages of 18 and 29, the unemployment rate hit 12.8 percent in June, according to Generation Opportunity, a grassroots organization connected with young Americans.

Generation Opportunity also finds that the declining labor participation rate has created an additional 1.735 million young adults that are not considered unemployed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics because they are not in the labor force as they are no longer looking for work with the lack of jobs. When calculating the labor force participation rate into the overall 18 to 29 youth unemployment rate, the actual unemployment rate increases to 16.8 percent.

In response to the June 2012 jobs numbers, Generation Opportunity President Paul T. Conway, former chief of staff for the Department of Labor and Office of Personnel Management, responded to the June 2012 jobs numbers, saying, “For young Americans, through no fault of their own, their story is one of few opportunities, delayed dreams and stalled careers. Today's unemployment numbers tell the story of millions of young Americans who are paying the price for the failed policies coming out of Washington that have inhibited economic opportunity and job creation. Despite the challenges they face, this generation is not asking what their country can do for them.

"Instead, they stand ready to do more for their country, to continue their service beyond the contributions they have already made as brave defenders of freedom across the globe, as selfless rebuilders of disaster-torn communities here at home and as confident advocates for greater opportunity for all Americans. While leaders in Washington travel to communities to make campaign promises and seek to place blame for the results of their failed policies, young Americans are looking for more than rhetoric.

"In 2012, their message to candidates is clear – we want to build our careers, get on with our lives and fulfill our dreams. If the only solutions you offer mean less jobs and more debt for the country, the stakes are too high to risk our vote on a bad bet."

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Unemployment rate for young Americans hits 12.8 percent

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