FAILURE TO LAUNCH

Improving the Education, Employment and Wellbeing of Indiana's Boys & Men

Too many young men in Indiana and across the nation are struggling. At the exact time they should be launching into flourishing adulthood, they’re falling behind and disconnecting. This report examines the converging forces pulling young men off track in Indiana and recommends how civic, private and public sector leaders can invest in solutions to tackle this important issue.

This research is founded on a notion of abundance, not scarcity. Addressing this crisis is not about shifting focus away from the women and girls; it is about understanding the unique challenges facing our state’s boys and men and ensuring that all Hoosiers have the opportunity to thrive.

This research is part of Sagamore Institute’s Workforce: 2040 initiative.

What We Found

From Launchpad to Cliff: Why do Indiana's Young Men Struggle After High School?

For most of their early education, boys in Indiana keep pace with—or even outperform—girls academically. But something changes in late high school. At the very moment when young people should be preparing to launch into adulthood, too many young men hit what we describe as a “cliff.” Graduation rates lag, college enrollment drops and many struggle to find stable pathways into work, education and healthy adulthood.

Online and Offtrack: How the Digital World Is Pulling Boys Away

Around ages 15–16, many boys begin spending large portions of their time online. In the absence of mentors, role models and accessible community activities, the digital world fills a growing void. Algorithm-driven platforms provide connection, but often at the cost of real-world, authentic engagement—leaving many young men increasingly disconnected from school, work and their communities.

Part of a Larger Pattern: Indiana in the National Context

What we see in Indiana mirrors a broader national trend. Across the country, young men are struggling with declining educational attainment, weaker labor force attachment, and rising mental health challenges. These issues do not occur in isolation; they reinforce one another, shaping the trajectory of young men’s lives and the vitality of the communities around them.

A Reason for Hope: Indiana’s Opportunity to Lead

Recognizing these challenges is not about shifting attention away from women and girls. Rather, it is about ensuring that all Hoosiers have the opportunity to thrive. Indiana is uniquely positioned to respond, with strong philanthropic leadership, influential civic institutions, and powerful community networks. By investing in mentorship, meaningful connections, and clearer pathways into education and careers, the state can help young men move from the cliff to a true launchpad