INDIANA — A sobering new report from the Sagamore Institute, titled “Failure to Launch,” warns that young men in Indiana are struggling to transition into adulthood, creating a ripple effect that threatens the state’s social and economic stability.
The study highlights a growing “cliff” where boys fall behind in education, mental health, and labor participation—gaps that often persist throughout their lives.
Academic and Mental Health Crisis
While Indiana boys continue to score well on standardized tests like the SAT, the report finds their Grade Point Averages (GPAs) are slumping. As high school graduation approaches, many “run out of gas,” overwhelmed by the transition to adulthood and a lack of clear career or educational pathways.
The report also sheds light on a dire mental health landscape:
- Suicide Rates: Approximately 80% of suicides in the U.S. are committed by boys and men.
- Isolation: Sagamore Institute President Teresa Lubbers noted that social media and a decline in “community hubs”—such as youth clubs and organized sports—have left young men increasingly anonymous and lonely.
- Developmental Gaps: The study notes that biological brain development in males typically lags behind that of females in areas of reasoning and future planning.
Aaron Green, founder of Struggle University, emphasized that the data mirrors the daily reality for young men, particularly those without strong male figures at home.
“If we know their mental health is declining… then we need to get mental health services rolling from people who look like them,” Green said. He called for an increase in mentors with lived experience to combat the “shuffle of life” that leaves many young men feeling lost after high school.
The report also identified a “double jeopardy” for young men exiting the criminal justice system, noting a severe lack of support programs to help them reintegrate into society, which often leads to recidivism.
Economic and Safety Implications
The Sagamore Institute argues that supporting young men is not just a social duty but an economic necessity for Indiana.
Lubbers stressed the importance of work-based learning, apprenticeships, and summer jobs to reconnect young men to the economy.
Green noted that addressing these issues early could “1000%” reduce violence and crime rates by providing young men with legitimate opportunities to lead and succeed.
“From an economic standpoint… we cannot afford to leave boys and men behind,” Lubbers concluded.
The full report, “Failure to Launch: Improving the Education, Employment and Wellbeing of Indiana’s Boys and Men,” is available through the Sagamore Institute.
