NORC plays an integral role, together with Ohio State University’s Center for Human Resource Research, in conducting two allied surveys of America’s youth: the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 (NLSY79) and the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (NLSY97). Both these major longitudinal surveys are funded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is a significant supporter of the NLSY79, funding both the Child sample through an interagency agreement and the Young Adult sample through a grant. Each addresses key questions about the economic, social, and academic experiences of respondents and examines a myriad of issues surrounding youth entry into the work force and subsequent transitions in and out of it.

NLSY79 completed its 22nd round of data collection this past spring and has already begun plans for the 23rd round scheduled to kick off in early 2008.  NLSY97 is currently in its 12th year. Each project employs sophisticated instrumentation, using computer-assisted personal interviews (CAPI) augmented by such elements as self-administered questionnaires and child assessment modules. The surveys, which involve large samples with oversamples of African American and Hispanic American youth, have consistently achieved high completion rates and yielded data of exceptional quality.

Site for NLSY 1997 Cohort Respondents

Related Links:
Bureau of Labor Statistics National Longitudinal Surveys
NLSY Resources at the Center for Human Resource Research