Resource Library

The purpose of the report is to explore and highlight the unique challenges and perceptions of Generation Z as they enter the workforce amid various global crises. It presents data from McKinsey's American Opportunity Survey, revealing Gen Z's higher likelihood of working multiple jobs, financial insecurity, mental health struggles, and pessimism about economic milestones like homeownership and retirement. The report aims to inform employers and other stakeholders about these generational differences to better support Gen Z in the workplace and address their specific needs and concerns.

This survey explores the perspectives and experiences of those in closest contact with the American education system—namely parents, current students, and recent graduates. In partnership with YouGov, American Compass surveyed representative American parents young adults about their views on the purpose of public education; their reflections on the way that the school system has performed; and their desire for reforms to both K–12 schools and higher education. They found that Americans want (1) a public education system less focused on college, more focused on preparing people to build decent lives in their communities, and (2) education reforms to emphasize non-college pathways.

To better understand Gen Z’s unique perspectives, Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation have partnered to gather opinions directly from members of Gen Z and to track those opinions and experiences over time. This nationally representative, multiyear study of thousands of members of Gen Z between the ages of 12 and 26 gives policymakers and researchers an invaluable resource for not only understanding this generation’s needs, but for making data-driven decisions to address them.

This study examines recent community college student's motivations for enrolling, their self-reported perceptions of the value of their education and training experiences, and the degree to which they achieved their goals for enrolling. The outcomes they pursue range from skill development to certificates to degrees to transfer. Fewer than half of career seeking students report that their education helped them fulfill these motivations, or develop the skills needed for their subsequent outcomes such as critical thinking, communication or leadership. Additionally, the report finds that students are less likely to feel their education was worth the cost of that it helped them achieve their goals.

Based on research from the Postsecondary Value Commission, this interactive data tool puts the power of the Value Framework at your fingertips, equipping you with data on the economic value that institutions deliver to their students.

Pathways Matter to Families offers insights and actionable resources for students and families. The two complementary resources linked are informed by original research investigating what parents and young adults think and want to know about education-to-workforce pathways and experiences.

The Success Index represents a private opinion survey of the American people’s personal definitions of success and the American Dream. It uses tools and methodologies that minimize distortions found in traditional public opinion polls to reveal not only what Americans prioritize most — and least — in a successful life, but also what they believe about other people’s priorities.

This report highlights the significant presence of Hispanic workers who are skilled through alternative routes (STARs) in the workforce and their overrepresentation in lower-wage occupations. It discusses the barriers these workers face due to degree requirements and suggests that employers prioritize skills over formal education to improve economic mobility for Hispanic STARs.