NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:
7.28.2020

Contact:
Crystal Boutiette
Junior Achievement of SoCal
323-785-3557
cboutiette@jasocal.org

Back-to-School Survey: Two-Thirds of Teens Concerned About Attending School In-Person this Fall

Research by Junior Achievement Also Shows Teens’ Top Concerns for the Future

Los Angeles, CA – A new survey from Junior Achievement (JA) by research firm ENGINE Insights shows that two-thirds of teens (66%) are concerned about attending school in-person this fall, with a significant percentage (39%) responding that they are “extremely” or “very” concerned. Nearly three-in-four teens (71%) say that their parents or caregivers are concerned about them attending school in-person this fall. The survey of 1,000 teens between the ages of 13 and 17 was conducted July 14-19, 2020.

Despite these concerns, most teens (53%) say that the quality of their online classes from the spring was “fair” or “poor.” A quarter of teens (26%) reported that they would prefer to attend school in-person five days a week, while more than a third (36%) prefer a blended schedule, where they would attend school in-person a couple of days a week and take the rest of their lessons online. Just under a third (30%) say that they would prefer classes exclusively online this fall.

The survey also asked teens about their concerns about the future:

• The top concern shared by nearly half of respondents (49%) is that the quality of their education will suffer due to the pandemic.
• Nearly as many (47%) are concerned that they or a member of their family will get sick from COVID-19.
• More than a quarter of respondents (28%) said that they are concerned that their dreams won’t come true due to current circumstances.
• Other concerns include:
  • Not being able to have a job or career that pays a living wage (27%)
  • Their family’s financial situation getting worse due to the economy (26%)
  • Not being able to provide for themselves or their families as an adult (21%)
  • Having to borrow too much for college (20%)
  • They or someone they know not being treated equally as adults (15%)

“These results show that our young people are just as overwhelmed and conflicted by current events as many adults are,” said Les McCabe, CEO & President. “They also show that teens are struggling to remain hopeful in the face of the pandemic, economic upheaval, and inequity. That’s why at JASoCal, we are finding creative ways to continue delivering the tools, resources, and support young people need to reach their goals.”

JASoCal is supporting teachers and schools through online career speaker series, volunteer led financial literacy education via zoom “town halls”, downloadable digital resources, JA Virtual Finance Park curriculum and a host of other options to keep kids learning– wherever they may be.

Methodology
This Youth CARAVAN survey was conducted by ENGINE INSIGHTS among a sample of 1,000 respondents aged 13-17. This survey was live on July 14-19, 2020.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls.  The data have been weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the 18+ population.  All sample surveys and polls may be subject to multiple sources of error, including, but not limited to sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments.

About Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASoCal)

Junior Achievement (JA)of SoCal is the leader in inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy. JASoCal brings our local education and business communities together to invest in the success of K-12 students- the majority of which are considered socio-economically at-risk. With the support of nearly 4,000 volunteers, JASoCal provides relevant, hands-on learning experiences that connect what students learn in the classroom to the real-world and demonstrates how learning correlates to earning — knowledge critical to empowering students to own their economic success. Through a variety of programs and initiatives we are shaping the college and career-readiness conversation and playing an important role in Southern California’s economic development. Currently serving Los Angeles, Orange, Kern, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. To learn more visit www.jasocal.org

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