As part of an ongoing series about the nation's young people, Generation Next correspondent Judy Woodruff talked to graduates of a General Motors training program in Detroit.

26-year-old Lakeehsa Perry recently graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in engineering technology with help from the Focus: HOPE scholarship program. Focus: HOPE raises money to help pay for students to attend college and find jobs, a difficult task in a city with 23 percent unemployment.

Other students like Perry had hoped to work for the auto industry after graduation, but with the Big Three car companies failing, they will have to look else where for a job. She has applied to a variety of companies like Bayer and Pepsi.

Detroit's economy is also looking for opportunities beyond the car industry. Wayne State University Jay Noren believes that the answer lies in investing in alternative energy and biomedical sciences. He hopes that young people will adapt to a new economy.

"Because of the tough economic times, we're not hiring right now." - Milissa Spry, General Motors.

"It may not be as easy as it once was, where the recruiters are lined up outside the door waiting for them to walk off the stage right after they get their diplomas and snap them up. But, nonetheless, that same, same attitude, that same spirit will guide them as they find employment that they seek." William Jones, Focus: HOPE CEO

"The companies had gotten to be where they were so traditional and so in the mindset of, you know, their functions of, 'This is how we've been doing it for 30 years.' And our generation kind of brings into flexibility, you know, working in those new ideals." - Lakeesha Perry, Wayne State University Graduate

1. What is the job market like for new graduates?

2. Which industries or companies might be hiring, which are laying people off?

1. How would you feel if you were in Lakeesha or Vanessa's situation right now?

2. Do you think that car companies like GM will eventually become prosperous again? Why or why not?

3. Other industries like journalism and banking are also experiencing financial instability right now. Does that cause you to rethink your career goals? Why or why not?