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These are not simple, carefree days for youth. Their lives are crammed with expectations and distractions. But those who engage in service report greater outcomes in areas of career readiness, connection and resilience.
Greater involvement in service, whether through additional time spent or more varied service experiences, is linked to even stronger connective outcomes, according to the authors of a new Gallup-Allstate Foundation study of youth 12 to 25 titled “The Power Of Youth Service.”
They are engaged with their communities. Some 82% of respondents reported engaging in at least some form of service. A lack of awareness of opportunities, time constraints or other responsibilities are the most commonly reported barriers to participating in service.
Of the young polled, 79% responded that service activities had a somewhat (47%) or very (32%) positive impact on feeling connected to their community. Additionally, 57% of youth who have engaged in service reported feeling connected to people in their community, compared with 32% of those who have not participated in service.
The most common types of service activities include donating or organizing donations (54%), participating in environmental clean-ups (35%), volunteering at food banks or shelters (31%), fundraising for a cause (30%) and tutoring, mentoring or assisting in afterschool programs (27%).
The youth are also more likely to say they have mentors who can help them reach future career goals (55%, compared with 43% among those who have not engaged in service). Those who participated in more different types of activities reported even stronger connections to mentors and people in their community.
Engaging in service is linked to greater reported benefits in the areas of career readiness, connection and resilience. Key examples include:
- Career readiness: Half of young people (52%) report that service activities had a somewhat (38%) or very (14%) positive impact on feeling prepared for a future career.
- Resilience: Youth with service experience are more likely to say they can handle whatever comes their way (66% vs. 52%).
Nonprofit leaders need to take action to engage young people. According to the study’s authors, nonprofit leaders must help create pathways to service. Transportation, scheduling conflicts and family responsibilities can all limit access to service. Simple changes, such as organizing transportation for youth who want to serve, offering stipends or using flexible scheduling could mitigate barriers and improve access so that service opportunities can build career readiness, foster connections and inspire resilience.
Leaders need to amplify awareness of youth service opportunities. About half of young people who have not participated in service cite lack of awareness as the main barrier. Use digital platforms such as social media and dedicated web pages to reach large audiences.
Making youth service accessible is key. Young people often do not realize service can be simple and flexible. Investing in youth-led service models can feed the pipeline.
The results are weighted data from a Gallup Panel web study completed by 3,013 youth and young adults ages 12-25, conducted Nov. 17–Dec. 1, 2025. Youth ages 12-17 were recruited through their parents, who are members of the Gallup Panel. Respondents ages 19-25 were recruited directly from the Gallup Panel. Those who were 18 years old could be recruited either through their parents or directly. In total, 1,858 respondents were recruited through parents and 1,155 respondents were recruited directly.
The full 22-page report can be found at https://www.gallup.com/analytics/702254/youth-service.aspx
