Teens Directly Affected by September 11th Attacks, According to the 2002 State of Our Nations Youth Report 8/6/2002
From: Anthony Hutcherson, Arnold Landers, or Kesha Hutcherson, 301-392-6053, all of the Horatio Alger Association WASHINGTON, Aug. 6 -- 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 percent of teens; 100 percent of teens in northeast report being affected, while 20 percent of west coast teens say they were affected only a little or not at all; 73 percent of teens still feel hopeful and optimistic about the future of the country; 66 percent would like to learn more about world events and other cultures. -- Education Reform 65 percent feel that standardized tests are a good idea; 50 percent of students think requiring community service for high school graduation is a bad idea. -- School Safety and Performance 81 percent feel their school is doing enough to keep them safe and secure during the school day; 68 percent grade their own schools an "A" or "B". -- Values and Morals 78 percent say having a close family relationship is very important to them; 42 percent 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 30 years. The complete 60-page 2002 State of Our Nation's Youth report is available by free download at http://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 $4 million in college scholarships are awarded annually, focusing foremost on providing assistance to those with greatest need. For more information about the Association visit http://www.horatioalger.org/. --- FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit the Horatio Alger Association at http://www.horatioalger.org/ For press inquiries or to directly receive our releases, contact 301-392-6053. News releases are available at http://www.horatioalger.org/geninf/prerel.htm |