2022 Linked Learning Youth Survey Finds Students Feel Prepared, Valued, and Motivated in College and Career Pathways

Our state’s economic development depends on the success of students like those in Linked Learning pathways. With nearly $2 billion proposed in the California State budget to invest in college and career readiness investment through approaches like high-quality pathways and academies, young people are hungry for real, relevant, supportive learning opportunities to support their college and career aspirations. This is what the Linked Learning Alliance heard in a recent survey of over 2,000 young people across California.

Students from Antelope Valley UHSD, Long Beach USD, Oakland USD, an Oakland-based independent charter district, Porterville USD, and San Bernardino City USD participated in this survey process between April and May 2022. In their responses, students shared open, honest reflections on their experiences in college and career pathways over the past year, their postsecondary aspirations, and their thoughts on proposals included in the California State Budget.

Among the many perspectives shared, Linked Learning students commented on:

• How their pathway experiences leave them feeling motivated, prepared, and excited for their futures, despite any anxieties they may also feel about their postsecondary plans.
• The ways adults in their pathway and surrounding community help them forge strong connections between high school, college, and career that bring coherence to their educational journey.
• Supports and relationships that make them feel valued and seen in their pathways.
• The value they see in increasing funding and supports that would deepen and expand college and career pathways throughout the state.

Despite COVID-19 related disruptions to their education, Linked Learning students remain steadfast in their plans to achieve postsecondary success. We have an opportunity to deepen our investments in these young people and expand proven approaches to college and career readiness to tens of thousands more. The Linked Learning Alliance is part of a vast community of educators, business leaders, and community partners committed to keeping young people linked to the futures they deserve. Students are telling us what they need to reach these futures. It is up to us to heed their advice and advocate for the investments they need to thrive. Contact the Linked Learning Alliance to find out more about how you can support students in your community.

You can read more detailed findings from the survey here.