Rural Youth Survey: Trends and Developments in the Attitudes and Aspirations of Rural Pennsylvania Youth

Results of a study to document the educational, career, and residential aspirations of rural Pennsylvania (PA) 9th and 11th grade rural students, to examine factors that shape aspirations, and to detail opportunities and barriers that youth experience. Key findings include: educational aspirations of rural youth are lower than in the 2010 rural youth survey - more youth today plan to earn a high school diploma or less, and fewer plan to complete a four year degree; educational aspirations related to family relationships - youth with positive relations with parent held aspirations that paralleled the educational attainment of parent; more youth today hoped to live in rural Pennsylvania as adults as compared to 2010 rural youth survey - those with higher educational aspirations more inclined to leave rural PA; few students reported being satisfied with current job opportunities or chances to get ahead in their local communities; other key findings are shared as are policy recommendations such as expanding mental health services for rural PA youth, use social media more strategically to keep youth informed about jobs and educational opportunities in their local areas.. References are provided.