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Walton Family Foundation Gen Z Research

Walton Family Foundation and Gallup have partnered to study Gen Z’s lives and experiences.

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Voices of Gen Z: Gen Z's Limited Awareness of Non-College Pathways

Many Gen Z students are interested in alternatives to a four-year college — but how much do they really know about their options? Gallup, in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and Jobs for the Future, surveyed Gen Z high schoolers and their parents nationwide to find out.

The findings show that both groups know the most about bachelor's degrees and paid work, and far less about other pathways like apprenticeships, certificate programs or military service. Even students nearing graduation say they've received little information about these alternatives, and few feel prepared to pursue them.

Explore the full report to learn how these knowledge gaps shape Gen Zers' ambitions, what they're interested in beyond college and how better guidance can help more students confidently navigate life after high school.

Voices of Gen Z: Gen Z's Limited Awareness of Non-College Pathways

Many Gen Z students are interested in alternatives to a four-year college - but how much do they really know about their options? Gallup, in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation and Jobs for the Future, surveyed Gen Z high schoolers and their parents nationwide to find out.

The findings show that both groups know the most about bachelor's degrees and paid work, and far less about other pathways like apprenticeships, certificate programs or military service. Even students nearing graduation say they've received little information about these alternatives, and few feel prepared to pursue them.

Explore the full report to learn how these knowledge gaps shape Gen Zers' ambitions, what they're interested in beyond college and how better guidance can help more students confidently navigate life after high school.

59% of high school seniors say they know "a great deal" or "some" about postsecondary pathways, compared to 45% of sophomores.
9 in 10 Gen Z high school students trust their parents for advice about career and educational opportunities, but 47% of parents — including about one-third of parents of high school seniors — say they are not frequently discussing postgraduation plans with their child.
46% of Gen Z feel very prepared to pursue the postsecondary pathways they are most interested in. However, about three in 10 Gen Z adults say their high school did not prepare them for the postgraduation pathway they ultimately pursued.
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