The state's education committee will hold a public hearing Wednesday on two critical bills aimed at preventing and addressing youth disconnection.

There are currently almost 120,000 young people in our state aged 14-26 who are out of school and out of work, facing barriers like economic hardship, homelessness or experiences with the justice system.

Domus Youth Services is a nonprofit in Stamford that teaches teens and young adults work and life skills while they get paid on the job. United Way of Connecticut is involved with the campaign for Working Connecticut that's focused on young people who are disconnected from school and work, and will be at the hearing.

"The providers that we work with in this coalition that will be speaking at the hearing they provide very specialized services exactly for those kids so they can make a plan. Usually they finish their schooling in an alternative setting and then they get some supportive job placement that helps them get on track to self-sufficiency," said Daniel Fitzmaurice with United Way of Connecticut.

The education hearing at the state capitol starts at 10 a.m.

News 12 is told Domus in Stamford will have three young people and two staff members testifying at the hearing.