On October 3, the Urban Institute will host a symposium in Plano, Texas on the benefits and drawbacks of technology and technological innovation on wealth and income inequality. On one hand, the increasing reliance on technology can create disadvantages for underskilled groups that may not have access to learning materials or exposure to new forms of technology that are becoming increasingly important for employment and job performance. On the other hand, new technologies can be harnessed to expand opportunities for underrepresented groups and increase service provision to people and communities. Speakers from public and private institutions will address these topics and more.

On October 29, the Metropolitan Policy Program and Child Trends will host an event to explore the state of the job market for disadvantaged young adults. This population has lower school graduation rates, lower employment rates, and lower wages, creating economic insecurity and hardship throughout adulthood. New research examining the quality of available jobs for disadvantaged young adults will be released and discussed, followed by an expert panel on policy takeaways and strategies to help create high-quality jobs for at-risk young adults. This event will take place in Washington, D.C. between 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. EDT.