By Ron Meyer, Young America's Foundation Spokesman              

The Department of Labor and its secretary, Hilda Solis, sent out a press release accompanying new youth jobs numbers, and curiously enough, Solis actually bragged about 17.1 percent youth unemployment.

Solis said, "As young Americans all across the country prepare to head into a new school year, I'm excited to say that many more will take with them lessons learned through summer jobs."

And, "Together we're helping young people across the country realize that there's no substitute for the real-world experience of work and no replacement for the dignity that comes with earning your first paycheck."

And, "The youth unemployment rate showed a significant decline, falling to 17.1 percent - down a percentage point from last year and two points from 2010."

Maybe she's forgotten that the Obama administration has the worst youth summer jobs record ever (since youth unemployment started being tracked in 1948).

Here's part of what I wrote for Fox Nation on the Obama administration's summer jobs record:

Since the President took office, youth unemployment (ages 16-24, seasonally adjusted) has exceeded 16 percent-almost consistently double the overall unemployment rate. No President, since the Department of Labor started keeping track in 1948, has had more than two summers above 16 percent.

The Obama administration has had four, assuming no surprises in August.

Young Americans are feeling the burden of this economy. Yesterday, we learned more than half of young college graduates are underemployed. The Obama administration should be ashamed and embarrassed--not cheery and arrogant--about their summer jobs record. 

Ron Meyer--age 22--is the spokesman for Young America's Foundation. He's a frequent guest on Fox News and the Sean Hannity Radio Show. Email him at rmeyer@yaf.org.