Investing in Our Young People

33 Pages Posted: 19 Jul 2010 Last revised: 9 Apr 2023

See all articles by Flavio Cunha

Flavio Cunha

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics

James J. Heckman

University of Chicago - Department of Economics; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER); American Bar Foundation; Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA); CESifo (Center for Economic Studies and Ifo Institute)

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Date Written: July 2010

Abstract

This paper reviews the recent literature on the production of skills of young persons. The literature features the multiplicity of skills that explain success in a variety of life outcomes. Noncognitive skills play a fundamental role in successful lives. The dynamics of skill formation reveal the interplay of cognitive and noncognitive skills, and the presence of critical and sensitive periods in the life-cycle. We discuss the optimal timing of investment over the life-cycle.

Suggested Citation

Cunha, Flavio and Heckman, James J., Investing in Our Young People (July 2010). NBER Working Paper No. w16201, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1641577

Flavio Cunha (Contact Author)

University of Pennsylvania - Department of Economics ( email )

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James J. Heckman

University of Chicago - Department of Economics ( email )

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