American teens are preparing for a workforce shaped by AI, new approaches to education, and economic uncertainty, and while challenges are real, optimism remains high. New research from Junior Achievement and Citizens reveals how teens are preparing for the future and the skills they see as essential for success.

The survey found that 94% of teens say they are optimistic about their future careers, reflecting a strong sense of hope and ambition. However, 57% believe AI has negatively impacted their career outlook, raising concerns about job replacement and the need for new skills. This tension highlights a generation that is both forward-looking and deeply aware of the challenges ahead. Additionally, 88% report feeling pressure to follow a specific educational or career path, underscoring the weight of expectations as they navigate their futures.

2025 Data At-a-Glance:

• 94% are optimistic about their future career prospects, even as they recognize the challenges ahead.

• 57% say the rise of AI has negatively impacted how they view their future careers.

• 36% worry they will not earn enough money in their future careers.

• 40% believe a four-year degree is always a good investment, while 56% value real-world experience more.

• 87% expect to earn extra income through side hustles, gig work, or social media content creation.

"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," said Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA. "JA and partners like Citizens are helping educate students and fueling them with experiences and knowledge to encourage them achieve or exceed their expectations when it comes to career and financial independence."

Teens' perspectives on education also reflect their uneasiness. Only 40% believe a four-year degree is always a good investment, and many are weighing passion against pay. At the same time, about six in ten believe a bachelor's or graduate degree is still necessary for their chosen profession, which shows how complicated these decisions feel.

The pressure to make the right choice is significant. 88% of teens report feeling pressure to follow a specific educational or career path. While most (63%) say they would prefer a good-paying job even if it comes with stress, many are also exploring less traditional routes to build security and opportunity, including side hustles (62%) and gig pursuits (38%).

Even with these pressures, confidence is high. Nearly all teens (94%) remain optimistic in their career outlook. Top industries in which teens plan to pursue a job include healthcare and life sciences (30%), arts and music (27%), content creation and digital media (25%), business and finance (23%), law, government and public policy (21%), and STEM (18%). They also recognize that success will depend on more than credentials alone, pointing to qualities such as discipline, hard work (67%), networking (50%), and internships (41%), as keys to their future success.

"Today's teens face a rapidly changing world, from the rise of AI to shifts in education and careers," said Susan LaMonica, Chief Human Resources Officer, Citizens. "The survey shows they know the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Citizens partners with Junior Achievement to help students build these skills, and we are doing the same internally by reimagining our culture, investing in new technologies and learning programs, and equipping our colleagues with the skills needed for the future."

Citizens and Junior Achievement USA have partnered for more than 18 years to advance financial empowerment nationwide. Building on this long-standing collaboration, Citizens allocated more than $630,000 in 2025 to support Junior Achievement USA to support financial empowerment programs that give people the confidence and tools they need to budget, save, invest, and pursue their goals. As part of the bank's Citizens Helping Citizens Manage Money program, Citizens provides funding and volunteer support to help deliver financial education. Last year, volunteers donated more than 4,000 hours to help deliver Junior Achievement programming in 25 cities. 

More information and an executive summary of the survey are available at www.JA.org/FutureOfWork