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Black Students Are Optimistic about Themselves, Their Lives, and Their Futures

Black Gen Zers consistently report higher levels of optimism and fulfillment compared to their peers. What can we learn from their experiences to build a more effective education system?
March 5, 2025

Black Students Are More Optimistic About the Future Than Their Peers

A new spotlight survey from the Walton Family Foundation’s Voices of Gen Z Study shows increased optimism and fulfillment among Black students compared to their peers. By understanding their perspectives, we can learn more about how to improve outcomes for all students. 

55% of Black Gen Zers report they are “thriving”— a measure that reflects both their current well-being and their expectations for the future.

Black students and their peers are equally likely to say they are thriving in their current lives. However, Black students are notably more likely to strongly agree they have a great future ahead of them (46% to 30%). Black Gen Zers also say they will achieve the goals they set for themselves at higher rates than their peers (50% to 30%).  

Their optimism extends beyond future aspirations to self-perception and relationships. 43% of Black Gen Zers strongly agree they are happy with who they are, compared to 26% of white Gen Zers, 25% of Hispanic Gen Zers, and 12% of Asian Gen Zers.

They also report feeling more loved by others. 42% of Black Gen Zers say they always feel loved, at least 15% higher than any of their peers of other races and ethnicities.

A sense of possibility, purpose, and belonging can all contribute to optimism among Black students.

By understanding what shapes Black Gen Zers’ positive outlook, we can build more supportive and empowering learning environments that enable every student to envision a bright future.

 

Black Gen Zers Feel More Engaged in School—And Educators Play a Big Role.

Continuing the trend of positive thinking, Black Gen Zers feel they have opportunities at school to do what they do best every day at higher rates than their peers.

They are also more likely to feel motivated to get good grades (79% compared to 68%) and positively challenged by their schoolwork (61% compared to 47%).

Black students are more likely to say their teachers make them feel their schoolwork is important (67% compared to 60%). They are also more likely to say there is an adult at school who encourages them to pursue their goals and dreams (75% compared to 67%).

Black Students’ Have Their Own Vision of a Great Life

Gen Z broadly defines a “great life” as one filled with happiness (85%), financial comfort (79%), and close relationships with friends and family (77%). While Black Gen Zers share these values, they also place a strong emphasis on education and career aspirations.

For Black Gen Z students, achieving their dream job and having a good education are top priorities.

In addition to being more likely to want to enroll in postsecondary education right after high school, they show a particular interest in entrepreneurship and being their own bosses. Nearly one-third value being their own boss, compared to 10% of other Gen Zers.

Understanding students’ motivations and aspirations is key to building more inclusive and effective education environments that drive success across all students.

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