First, unemployment rates for all age groups are high; employment, particularly full-time employment, has become increasingly difficult to find. In addition, there have been several significant shifts in the national economy which exacerbate the youth job problem. First, there has been a dramatic reduction in entry level job opportunities in both urban and rural areas. As competition for available jobs becomes more keen, appropriate education and training becomes important. Second, recent school reform has tended to shift focus to the "gifted and talented" youth, away from those seen to be at "high risk." This creates the potential to further disadvantage many youth competing in the job market in addition to increased school crime, vandalism, and drop-out rates. Research has shown that the most successful youth employment programs utilize a mix of work experience and educational or curriculum support.