Gen Z students are feeling more confident in their “readiness for the future.” According to a Gallup survey, 58% of middle and high schoolers now feel prepared for the future—up +11 points from 2024—with middle schoolers slightly more optimistic than high schoolers, and Black students (67%) the most confident overall. Engagement in the classroom also hit record levels in 2025, with big gains among high schoolers: more students say their teachers make them excited about the future compared to 2023 (78% vs. 70%). Overall, all eight of Gallup’s measures of school engagement reached their highest levels to date this year. YPulse’s Life Milestone’s and Future Plans Report backs their enthusiasm up, showing 84% of middle / high school students felt optimistic about the year ahead in January 2025. (Gallup)
👀 Read more from YPulse: The Skills Gen Z & Millennials Wish They Learned In School
