On the other side of the equation, many young Americans are interested in, and engaged with, the world beyond their borders -- which says something about the kind of business and political leaders they'll be after graduation.

WSJ: America the Popular

In Cartagena, where one-third of residents live at or below the poverty line, it's an equation that means these young mothers have very little chance of improving their lives.

CNN: Giving teen moms the tools to change their lives

Add to the equation the rift between black and white and one cannot help feeling that politicians are avoiding young people, because they do not know how to woo them.

BBC: Young turn their back on politics