Gen Z students feel well-informed about four-year degrees and post-high school workforce options but know less about other non-college pathways, a new survey finds.
Gen Z students, including those nearing graduation, reported knowing less about apprenticeships, certificate programs, military service and other post-secondary pathways, according to a survey by Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation.
Perhaps the most startling finding for K12 and higher ed educators is that less than half of high school students said they felt “prepared to pursue the postsecondary pathways they are most interested in,” the report noted.
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“Similarly, about three in 10 Gen Z adults say their high school did not prepare them for the post-graduation pathway they ultimately pursued.”
Students approaching graduation also say they trust the guidance they receive from teachers and counselors. But, they added, that guidance often focuses on enrolling in college. Only a small group of students (15%) reported getting information on career pathways that do not require a college degree.
Another disconnect the survey revealed is that while almost all Gen Z high school students trust their parents’ advice about what to do after graduation, fewer than half of parents are talking to their children about their post-high school plans.
Also, only a minority of parents said they knew “a great deal” about associate
degrees and other postsecondary options.
Other sources students found the most helpful in their decision-making included campus visits, internships and volunteer experiences, discussions with job recruiters, and job and career websites.
The upshot is that schools and families require some assistance to build their capacity to provide post-high school guidance.
“Until parents and schools are provided with the resources they need to have frequent, informed discussions with their students about both college and non-college pathways—as well as the jobs that they can lead to—many young people may be left unaware of, and unprepared for, career and educational opportunities that are the most appropriate, affordable or accessible pathways to a quality job,” the report concludes.
