The latest findings from the Walton Family Foundation’s Voices of Gen Z Study reveal a contrast between rural Gen Z students’ aspirations and the opportunities they see available in their hometowns. In the study, Gen Zers across the United States were asked about their satisfaction with their hometowns and interest in moving away.
Rural students have the same drive to succeed as their urban counterparts. However, many are worried that the geographic areas they feel most comfortable in won’t align with their plans for the future. Of rural Gen Z students who say they would like to move if given the opportunity, almost 40% do not believe they can find a good job or build a career in the community they call home.
Gen Z’s vision of a fulfilling life is evolving.
Two of the strongest predictors of whether a Gen Zer wants to move are whether it offers good job opportunities (63%) and whether they feel it is a good place to raise a family (66%).
As they plan for their futures, Gen Zers are weighing their career aspirations, values, and quality of life in their decision-making. For many Gen Zers, leaving home isn’t just about new experiences—it’s about necessity.
Rural parents can see the opportunity gap for students in rural areas. By expanding access to education, job training, and career opportunities, rural communities can help lower barriers and make it easier for Gen Z to build their futures locally. In fact, 90% of Gen Zers express interest in learning from experts, non-traditional instructors, and career-connected experiences.
Gen Z students deserve the chance to choose their future based on what they want to do, not where they live. Ensuring our education system meets the needs of the next generation is a shared responsibility, and it will take all of us to make it happen.
By aligning education and career pathways with the needs of the next generation, Rural communities can attract, retain, and empower young people to shape the future of their hometowns.
