Citizens and Junior Achievement USA survey reveals teens' optimism about the future of work

Young people are entering the workforce at a time when technology has made knowledge more accessible, the gig and freelance economy are growing and organizations are starting to embrace skills-based hiring.

But even with these shifts, teens see promise, potential and opportunity, according to a joint survey from Citizens and Junior Achievement USA on teens and the future of work.

Junior Achievement USA is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future and make smart academic and economic choices.

As long-time partners, Citizens and Junior Achievement USA together provide financial education, skill-building programs and classroom-based learning experiences to help young people navigate an evolving work landscape and achieve their career goals.

Teens are optimistic about their career futures

The national survey, conducted between July 30 and August 10, 2025, asked 1,000 U.S. young people ages 13 to 18 about their future career paths, their views on traditional education and entrepreneurship and how they think AI will reshape the career landscape.

Their outlook was decidedly hopeful:

• 94% of teens report at least some level of optimism about their future careers.
• Of those, 59% are extremely or very optimistic about their future careers.
• At the same time, 57% worry about AI’s impact on future job opportunities.
• And 88% say they feel pressure to choose the “right” career path.

Teens say continuous learning and adaptability matter most

Less than half of teens believe the path to their dream career involves college or an advanced degree. Only four in 10 respondents said a four-year degree is always a good investment, while 56% say real-world or on-the-job experience would be more beneficial than traditional education to pursue their career of choice.

This perspective highlights a generation that values adaptability and lifelong learning over rigid paths. It also underscores the growing need for nontraditional job training pathways, like that provided by Junior Achievement USA, which equips young people with relevant, hands-on skills to stay competitive in a workforce transformed by AI and rapid innovation.

Teens are exploring new career pathways

Survey respondents expressed openness to alternative ways to earn additional income. Most (62%) would consider side hustles, entrepreneurship or launching a nonprofit as part of their future careers.

This flexibility reflects a generation that is redefining success on its own terms. By exploring multiple pathways, teens are demonstrating adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning, qualities that will help them remain resilient and competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

“The data illustrates how the stressors on young people are compounding year after year. It also shows how resilient and savvy students are these days in terms of understanding the world around them and deciphering the best path to the future that's best for them,” says Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA.

Teens recognize AI will shape the future of work

The survey also revealed teens are aware of AI's potential influence on their future careers: 57% say the rise of AI will impact how they work.

This shift makes access to relevant, future-focused job training more critical than ever — not only to build practical skills, but also to instill confidence in navigating an evolving workforce shaped by automation and emerging technologies — helping shift fear into opportunity.

"Today's teens face a rapidly changing world, from the rise of AI to shifts in education and careers," says Susan LaMonica, Chief Human Resources Officer at Citizens. "The survey shows they know the importance of adaptability and continuous learning."

Empowering teens to succeed in the AI economy

For years, Citizens has supported Junior Achievement USA's work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial empowerment programs — allocating more than $630,000 in 2025 to advance Junior Achievement USA's financial education lessons for elementary, middle and high school students. Through the Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program, Citizens colleagues volunteered more than 4,000 hours in 2024 to help deliver Junior Achievement USA programming in 25 cities.

"Citizens partners with Junior Achievement to help students build these skills, and we are doing the same internally by ensuring our investments, our leaders and our culture are equipping and preparing colleagues for the future of work," LaMonica says. "Together, we are preparing students and employees to be ready for the future and to thrive in a highly dynamic environment."

To help young people better prepare for the future of work, Citizens also has made a $20 million multi-year workforce development commitment. This funding will support nonprofits focused on expanding access to educational and career opportunities, help young people build in-demand skills for the modern economy and advance long-term economic growth in communities across the country.

"JA and partners like Citizens are helping educate students and fueling them with experiences and knowledge to encourage them to achieve or exceed their expectations when it comes to career and financial independence," Greinert says.

Accelerating pathways to economic success

Creating stronger communities, lasting economic growth and mobility can't happen if young people aren’t empowered — and inspired — to achieve their dreams.

The Citizens and Junior Achievement USA survey shows we’re already partway there. Young people have hope. They’re optimistic about their futures and are confident they have multiple paths to achieve their career goals.

Pairing that optimism with ongoing resources, support and learning opportunities will give young people future-ready skills to transform their economic futures — and positively remake the world around them.