The future of education and the success of the next generation depend on how well we understand and respond to the experiences shaping students today. To help illuminate these experiences, the Walton Family Foundation partnered with Gallup to survey nearly 3,800 Gen Zers across the country for the 2025 Voices of Gen Z study.
Now in its third year, this survey remains one of the largest and most comprehensive national research efforts tracking the sentiments and attitudes of Gen Z.
A student’s experience at school shapes their lives beyond the classroom and into adulthood. While many Gen Z students still feel disconnected from their learning and uncertain about the future, this year’s findings show steady gains in engagement and a growing sense of preparedness. These small wins are a chance to build on momentum and deliver high-quality education that fosters lifelong skills, curiosity, and resilience well beyond graduation.
The decline is driven entirely by Gen Z adults (ages 18–28), with only 39% reporting they are thriving, defined as rating their lives positively today and expecting the same five years from now. That figure marks a five-point drop from 2024.
In contrast, 56% of Gen Z middle and high school students say they’re thriving, the highest level recorded for this group since the study began. This creates a 17-point gap between students and young adults, up from 11–12 points in previous years. While the trend mirrors a broader decline in adult well-being nationwide, it underscores the need to focus on helping Gen Z transition to life after high school with confidence.
Overall optimism has remained the same for three years, with about three-quarters of Gen Z (77%) agreeing they have a great future ahead of them.
Looking closer, Gen Z students are more optimistic about the future than adults (84% vs. 73%) and Black Gen Zers remain especially optimistic. Forty-five percent of Black Gen Zers strongly agree they have a great future ahead of them, at least 14 percentage points higher than their Hispanic, white, and Asian peers.
Similar to past years, students who report more engaging school experiences are more likely to feel prepared, optimistic, and purposeful about their futures. They also report stronger well-being and lower rates of chronic absenteeism.
50% of middle and high school students feel that all or most of their teachers are excited about what they teach, 42% say their teachers make lessons interesting, and 37% connect them to the real world.
Students with teachers who demonstrate these engaging qualities are significantly more likely to say they are thriving, optimistic, and prepared for life after graduation.
Enjoying and regularly engaging in reading is linked to stronger academic performance among Gen Z students. Those who read for fun more often tend to do better in school overall. Yet, many students aren’t encouraged to read frequently: 52% report being assigned reading once a week or less, while only 13% receive daily reading assignments.
Moreover, 35% of Gen Z students say they dislike reading, and 43% rarely or never read for enjoyment. This trend continues into adulthood, with about 35% of Gen Z adults rarely or never reading for fun. However, this is likely influenced by time constraints rather than interest.
Students not planning to attend college report significantly lower school engagement and fewer meaningful learning experiences than their peers aiming for associate or bachelor’s degrees. This highlights a critical gap in support and opportunities when it comes to non-college career pathways, leaving many students underprepared for the futures they envision.
These disparities extend beyond the classroom and into young adulthood. While Gen Z overall reports feeling more prepared than ever, significant gaps persist based on educational attainment—with preparedness increasing with higher levels of education.
To truly prepare Gen Z for the future, the education system must evolve alongside them. While students are showing steady gains in engagement and preparedness, persistent gaps in thriving and opportunity reveal that many still feel disconnected from their learning and uncertain about what comes next. Aligning learning with students’ goals and strengths can create meaningful learning experiences and stronger pathways to lifelong success.
