The Economy Tops the List of Students’ Concerns, Surprise Survey Finds.
The Young America’s Foundation “2024 Understanding Students’ Views on Current Issues” survey, conducted by Echelon Insights, has unveiled a surprising revelation: contrary to common assumptions, economic concerns rank as the top issue for students across high schools and colleges. A staggering 48% of high school students and 44% of college students identified the economy as their primary concern, shattering many preconceived notions about the priorities of today’s youth.
The survey, which examined the sentiments of more than 1,600 high school and college students aged between 15 and 24, revealed that political corruption also emerged as a significant issue for students, with nearly one-third of high school students (32%) and 28% of college students citing it as a major concern.
Contrary to their reputation for championing left-wing causes, the survey discovered that Gen Z students are largely indifferent to many of these issues. For example, abortion – an issue that is often seen as contentious among radical leftists – was only identified as a top concern by 12% of high school students and one-quarter of college students. This pales in comparison to the 44% who are more concerned about the economy.
Similarly, only 12% of high school students and 15% of college students identified LGBQ+ issues as a top priority. Only ten percent of moderate students consider LGBQ+ rights a top issue, while 19% consider immigration a top issue. Just 18% of liberal students consider LGBQ+ rights a top issue of concern.
Another 17% of high school students and 14% of college students consider racial issues a top priority.
Young America’s Foundation president, former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, said the poll showcases that the economy is truly the top issue for students. Unsurprisingly, their ability to freely express themselves on college campuses continues to be of great importance, as well,” he added. Walker emphasized the importance of teaching high school and college students timeless principles of individual liberty and the free market to ensure the continued success of the United States.
The survey also spelled bad news for President Joe Biden, who is hoping to win over young voters in the upcoming election. Only three in ten college students approve of Biden’s job as president, reflecting a dramatic 32-point drop from the approval he initially enjoyed with this demographic group. The survey revealed that Biden is also struggling among liberal students, as 53% either somewhat or strongly disapprove of him. Coinciding with this trend, the majority of students (53%) said they believe the country is on the wrong track, including 34% of self-identified liberal students and 62% of moderate students.
The survey was conducted between June 4th and 9th, and has a +/- 5.2 percent margin of error for high school students and +/- 5.3 percent for college students.