A new survey builds on previous research, showing that student engagement isn’t just key to ensuring they attend class, behave well, and stay on track academically—it’s also crucial for helping them maintain a positive outlook on their future.
The downside: Many students don’t find their schoolwork interesting, challenging, or aligned with their interests and talents. This is especially true for those who don’t plan to attend college, according to the survey conducted by the Walton Family Foundation and Gallup.
This survey, conducted between April 26 and May 9, included 4,157 Generation Z respondents (ages 12-27), with 2,317 of them currently enrolled in K-12 schools. It’s the second edition of the survey, with the first released in 2023.
The findings come as school districts prepare for a new academic year and continue to address ongoing challenges like chronic absenteeism, which has worsened since pandemic-related school closures, and the persistent academic struggles that followed historic declines. All of these issues are connected to how engaged students feel in their classes and with their peers.
The Walton and Gallup survey suggests a strong link between student engagement and their optimism about the future. Less than 2 in 10 students “strongly agree” that what they’re learning in class is important or relevant. However, those who rate their engagement highly are more than twice as likely to feel they are thriving in life. Engaged students are also over four times as likely to “strongly agree” that they have a bright future ahead, according to the survey.
Generation Z is generally optimistic about the future, with 79 percent of respondents believing they have a bright future. But only about half feel prepared for it.
Students not planning to attend college (68 percent) are less likely to have a positive outlook on their future compared to those aiming for an associate (81 percent) or bachelor’s degree (86 percent). Non-college-bound students also feel less prepared for their future (40 percent) than those planning to pursue an associate degree (45 percent) or bachelor’s degree (54 percent), according to the survey.
