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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.

Voices of Gen Z: Preparing the Heartland for an AI Future

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace — but are young Americans prepared? Gallup, in partnership with Heartland Forward and the Walton Family Foundation, surveyed nearly 3,500 Gen Zers across the country, including almost 1,500 in the 20 Heartland states to find out.

The findings show that while Gen Z in the Heartland is embracing AI at rates comparable to their peers nationwide, significant gaps remain in how well they feel prepared to use it for school, work and future careers. Schools and workplaces are not keeping pace with technology's rapid evolution, creating risks for students and young workers as AI reshapes the job market.

Explore the full report to learn how Gen Zers in the Heartland are using AI, where they feel left behind and what it will take to ensure they thrive in an AI-driven economy.

Voices of Gen Z: Preparing the Heartland for an AI Future

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the workplace — but are young Americans prepared? Gallup, in partnership with Heartland Forward and the Walton Family Foundation, surveyed nearly 3,500 Gen Zers across the country, including almost 1,500 in the 20 Heartland states to find out.

The findings show that while Gen Z in the Heartland is embracing AI at rates comparable to their peers nationwide, significant gaps remain in how well they feel prepared to use it for school, work and future careers. Schools and workplaces are not keeping pace with technology's rapid evolution, creating risks for students and young workers as AI reshapes the job market.

Explore the full report to learn how Gen Zers in the Heartland are using AI, where they feel left behind and what it will take to ensure they thrive in an AI-driven economy.

77% of Gen Zers in the Heartland use generative AI, and 43% use it weekly — a rate similar to Gen Zers outside the Heartland (49%).
10% of Gen Z K-12 students say their teachers have prepared them to use AI in their future jobs or education.
44% of Gen Zers working in healthcare, blue-collar or service jobs say AI "does not exist" for their role.
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