Students are more likely to enjoy school when learning feels meaningful, they have strong relationships with adults, and they feel a sense of belonging. The fourth annual Walton Family Foundation and Gallup Voices of Gen Z Study finds that students with the strongest experiences of engagement, support and belonging are far more likely to feel prepared for the future than those with the fewest, 81% compared with 27%.
Still, nearly half say school does not give them opportunities to do what they do best. Three in 10 say they do not have an adult at school who recognizes their talents and interests, and one in three does not feel like they belong. The findings reinforce the importance of relevant learning experiences, strong relationships and school environments where students feel known and supported.
