New Survey Results: Prevalence of Youth Participation in Out-of-School Time, Youth Development, Community-Based, and Faith-Based Programs

Posted by Youth Service America on October 31, 2023

Earlier this year, with the support of The Allstate Foundation, Youth Service America (YSA) partnered with Qualtrics XM to survey 2,017 individuals associated with organizations that work with youth in the United States, including out-of-school time programs, positive youth development programs, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations.

Based on the survey results, less than 1 in 4 organizations offer youth participation opportunities:

• 23% offer/provide community service program activities
• 22% offer/provide service-learning program activities
• 22% offer/provide social capital & leadership development program activities
• 20% offer/provide voting & civic engagement program activities

Based on these rates, and the average percentage of youth reached by these organizations that participate in these opportunities, we estimate that nationally:

• 14% of youth participate in community service program activities through these types of organizations
• 13% of youth participate in service-learning program activities through these types of organizations
• 12% of youth participate in voting & civic engagement program activities through these types of organizations
• 13% of youth participate in social capital & leadership development program activities through these types of organizations

Top reasons for youth participation include community engagement, teaching interpersonal skills, closing the achievement gap, and increasing academic achievement.

The top barriers across all activity types are lack of funding, lack of transportation, and disengaged youth.

The most common supports provided include financial support, special recognition for youth, and community partnerships.

Explore the Full Survey Results Summary.