US High School Students Feel Unprepared for the Future
A recent study conducted by Jobs for the Future, Gallup, and the Walton Family Foundation reveals that the majority of secondary school pupils in the United States do not feel adequately prepared for life after graduation, whether in further education or a career pathway. Only around 30% of students describe themselves as “very prepared”, and even among those with a clear area of interest, this figure only rises to 46%.
Nearly half of respondents report having had no work or internship experience to date, while more than one third say they have never visited a university. When seeking guidance, students say they rely primarily on their parents, though teachers, relatives, and school counsellors are also frequently consulted. In contrast, social media platforms and career websites are largely regarded as unreliable sources of information.
The study also finds that many pupils lack awareness of alternative routes such as apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, or military service. Fewer than half of school leavers feel their secondary education has prepared them for options outside university.
A significant proportion of employers agree that recent graduates are not work-ready, highlighting weaknesses in Generation Z’s time management and professionalism skills.
Country: USA Keywords: Graduation Readiness, High School Students, Career Planning, Employer Expectations