Teens Confident About AI's Job Impact, Junior Achievement Focuses on Future Skills

Despite widespread concerns about artificial intelligence potentially causing significant job losses, a majority of U.S. teenagers remain optimistic about its impact on their future careers.

A recent survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA (JA) and Ipsos found that 73% of teens believe AI will have a mostly positive effect, or no negative effect at all, on their ability to secure good jobs in the future. This optimism extends to their financial outlook, with 90% expecting to achieve greater financial success than previous generations, even as reports suggest Gen Z faces economic challenges.

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It’s encouraging that today’s teens are optimistic about the future, and we need to meet that optimism by ensuring students have the skill sets and mindsets to navigate the changes that may be coming with AI and other advances.

Jack Harris, CEO of JA USA, acknowledged the teens' optimism and stressed the importance of preparing them for the evolving job market. "It’s encouraging that today’s teens are optimistic about the future, and we need to meet that optimism by ensuring students have the skill sets and mindsets to navigate the changes that may be coming with AI and other advances," Harris stated. He emphasized that educational approaches must adapt to technological advancements.

In response, Junior Achievement has launched "Education for What’s Next." This initiative aims to equip Generation Z and Gen Alpha students with essential skills for the future, including critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, continuous learning, and technological literacy, particularly concerning AI. The program also highlights the value of life experiences that promote economic mobility, such as mentorship, post-high school education or training, degrees in high-demand fields, and entrepreneurship.

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Helping students understand what skills will be needed in the years ahead is a priority for Junior Achievement.