There are many factors that contribute to an area experiencing brain gain or brain drain…young people selecting, leaving, or staying.

In addressing this issue, we have identified some of the following factors:

• Internship and Job Climate
• Quality of Life
• Diversity
• Industry & Education Partnership and Innovation
• Continuing Education
• Young Professional Organizations
• Entrepreneurial and Mentoring Resources
• Access to Investment Capital
• Emerging Industries
• Hometown of a Young Person
• Gaps or Perceived Gaps of the Community
• Cost of Living

The factors above are some of the topics in which strategies and projects are being designed and implemented by communities, states, and organizations to retain and attract young people.  Goals, objectives, and benchmarks need to be identified and results produced for each unique location.

Brain gain’s multiplying effect lies in the young people who are needed in the present and most importantly the future.  Young people have and will start up businesses, volunteer in the community, pay taxes, sit on community boards, fill jobs vacated by retiring baby-boomers, and contribute to the overall economy and spirit of the place you call home.  The challenge and opportunity exists in having the “best” location possible to retain and attract a diverse group of young people.