Contact: Horatio Alger Association
(301) 392-6053
Teens Directly Affected by
September 11th Attacks
[August 6, 2002](Washington, D.C.) A new comprehensive national survey of young Americans ages 13 to 19 provides new insights into what teens across the country say affect their lives and futures. The report reveals:
- September 11th Attacks - The tragedies of September 11th figure as the greatest single event in the lives of 66% of teens; 100% of teens in northeast report being affected, while 20% of west coast teens say they were affected only a little or not at all; 73% of teens still feel hopeful and optimistic about the future of the country; 66% would like to learn more about world events and other cultures.
- Education Reform - 65% feel that standardized tests are a good idea; 50% of students think requiring community service for high school graduation is a bad idea.
- School Safety and Performance - 81% feel their school is doing enough to keep them safe and secure during the school day; 68% grade their own schools an "A" or "B".
- Values and Morals - 78% say having a close family relationship is very important to them; 42% say the entertainment media has a negative effect on young people's values and morals.
The report compiles the results of the national survey conducted by Peter D. Hart Research Associates on behalf of the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans. This marks the seventh consecutive year the Association has issued the report. "Each year this report allows us a look into how the young people of America see their world. It is important that we take notice is what is on the minds of our nation's young people," remarked Horatio Alger President and CEO, Walter Scott, Jr.
Peter Hart, President of Peter D. Hart Research, finds in analysis of the survey that "today's high school students have been profoundly affected by the events of the past year, but they are reacting in ways that show them to be both pragmatic and optimistic about the future. They are responding to September 11 by looking for ways to help, and looking ahead to graduation with a combination of apprehension and excitement." Peter D. Hart Research Associates, Inc. has conducted more than 5,000 public opinion surveys encompassing interviews of more than three million individuals over the past thirty years.
The complete 60 page 2002 State of Our Nation's Youth report is available by free download at www.horatioalger.org. The Horatio Alger Association is a non-profit educational association. The Association provides educational programs for America's youth to learn about the opportunities available in the free enterprise system. Through the generosity of its membership, more than four million dollars in college scholarships are awarded annually, focusing foremost on providing assistance to those with greatest need. For more information about the Association visit www.horatioalger.org.
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