US youth gain optimism

Young people in the United States are more optimistic about the future today than they were four years ago, a survey of youth opinions indicates. The 2012-2013 State of Our Nation's Youth survey by the Horatio Alger Association found that 60 percent of high school students queried are hopeful about America's future compared to 53 percent in 2008. The survey of 1,500 young people ages 14 to 23 also discovered declining interest in presidential politics as well as increased concern about the economy. In 2008, 75 percent of high school students surveyed indicated they cared who won the presidential election while today only 57 percent care, the survey found. Fifty-eight percent of high school graduates expressed concern about the economy and jobs today compared to only 34 percent in 2008. The survey found that 39 percent of high school students and 28 percent of graduates not in college have been unable to find work. For college graduates, 32 percent seeking work remain unemployed. The Horatio Alger survey was conducted in collaboration with Hart Research Associates and an independent research organization at the University of Chicago. There was no information on how or when the survey was conducted and what the margin of error is.