National Youth Listening Tour

2010

Listening to Youth Voices: Summary of Findings
National Youth Listening Tour

2010

Listening to Youth Voices: Summary of Findings

2011

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Communications and Outreach
ii

U.S. Department of Education

Arne Duncan

Secretary of Education

Office of Communications and Outreach

Peter Cunningham

Assistant Secretary

February 2011

This publication is in the public domain. Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is 

granted. While permission to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: 

U.S. Department of Education, Office of Communications and Outreach, National Youth 

Listening Tour 2010, Listening to Youth Voices: Summary of Findings, Washington, D.C., 2011.

This publication is available on the Department’s website at

http://www.ed.gov/college-completion/youth-summit/.

On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print or 

compact disc. For more information, please contact the Department’s Alternate Format Center at 

202-260-0852 or at 202-260-0818.
iii

Contents

List of Tables and Figures...................................................................................iii

I. Introduction................................................................................................................................1

II. Top Tour Themes. .................................................................................................................4

A. Top Five Themes: Overall.........................................................................4

 B. Top Themes: School...............................................................................6

 C. Top Themes: Family....................................................................................8

 D. Top Themes: Community........................................................................10

III. Key Themes by Tour Stop.......................................................................................................12

 A. Chicago............................................................................................12 

 B. Boston.............................................................................................15

 C. Los Angeles and Long Beach ...................................................................18

D. Urban League Summit..........................................................................21

 E. Albuquerque...................................................................................... 24

 F. Seattle and Tacoma...............................................................................26

 G. Memphis...........................................................................................28

 H. Oakland, San Francisco and Richmond.......................................................29

 I. Newark.............................................................................................30

J. Philadelphia........................................................................................32

 K. Jackson ...........................................................................................33

IV. Methodology..............................................................................................35 

V. Acknowledgements..................................................................................................................36

Tables

1. NYLT Participating Cities and Partnering Youth Organizations....................................3

Figures

1. National Youth Listening Tour Stops, July–November 2010 ............................................3

2. Top Themes Across Tour Stops for All Categories, by Frequency of Occurrence in

 Discussions................................................................................................5

3. Top Themes Across Tour Stops: School Category, by Frequency of Occurrence in 

 Discussions.................................................................................................7

4. Top Themes Across Tour Stops: Family Category, by Frequency of Occurrence in

 Discussions.................................................................................................9

5. Top Themes Across Tour Stops: Community Category, by Frequency of Occurrence 

 in Discussion.............................................................................................11

6. Top Themes by Tour Stop: Chicago, by Frequency of Occurrence in Discussions............14

7. Top Themes by Tour Stop: Boston, by Frequency of Occurrence in Discussions...............17
iv

Figures, cont.

8. Top Themes by Tour Stop: Los Angeles and Long Beach, by Frequency of 

 Occurrence in Discussions..............................................................................20

9. Top Themes by Tour Stop: Urban League Summit in Washington, D.C., by Frequency of

 Occurrence in Discussions..............................................................................23

10. Top Themes by Tour Stop: Albuquerque, by Frequency of Occurrence in

 Discussions..............................................................................................25
1

I. Introduction

President Obama’s 2020 College Completion Goal

Six mi1llion more Americans need to graduate from a one-, two- or four-year postsecondary 

education program by 2020 as, over the next decade, more than half of new jobs will require 

more than a high school degree. Meeting this goal is essential for the long-term prosperity of 

today’s students—and for the health and competitiveness of America’s economy. That is why 

President Obama is committed to increasing the number of students who graduate high school 

and go to college and earn 2-year or 4-year degrees. And it is why the president has set a goal for 

the country to once again become the world leader in college completion by 2020.

The president has a comprehensive agenda to support reform in pre-K–12 education and to make 

college affordable for all students. Through Race to the Top, 46 states have comprehensive plans 

to reform their schools and are raising their standards, improving the quality of their teachers, 

and creating data systems that track student success. All states are working to turn around their 

lowest-performing schools through an unprecedented investment in America’s struggling 

schools. The president’s proposal to replace No Child Left Behind will maintain the momentum 

for these important reforms. 

To make college more affordable, the president has made the largest increase in federal financial 

aid since the G.I. Bill helped World War II veterans pay for college. He has reformed the student 

loan system so that it invests in students rather than pay subsidies to banks. The changes will 

provide $40 billion in Pell Grants to help low-income students pay for college. The student loan 

reforms also will provide income-based repayment options for graduates who work in public 

service. These investments will open the door to millions of students who otherwise could not 

afford to pay for college. In addition, the Obama administration is making it easier than ever to 

apply for federal student aid. Under the leadership of Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, the 

U.S. Department of Education has reduced the number of questions on the Free Application for 

Federal Student Aid and has made it easier for applicants to transfer their financial information. 

In two years alone, the number of FAFSA applicants has increased by 35 percent. 

The president’s education agenda provides the resources for reform to states, school districts, 

and institutions of higher education. But if students are going to achieve his ambitious goal of 

leading the world in college completion, it is critical for policymakers to listen to what students 

have to say about their own education. Youths are experts on their educational experiences and 

have plenty to contribute to the policy discussion. 

Purpose of This Report

From July through November of 2010, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) convened a series 

of listening sessions with youths across the nation regarding the President’s 2020 College 

Completion Goal. The National Youth Listening Tour (NYLT) met with over 40 youth-serving 

institutions and over 1,800 middle and high school youths across 13 cities. Youths were asked 

about the challenges they faced and solutions they envisioned from their communities, families 

and schools pertaining to the president’s goal.
2

The purpose of the following summary is to relate back to the youths and partner organizations 

involved in the NYLT the key themes and issues raised during the tour. Additionally, at the 

Voices in Action: National Youth Summit, on Feb. 26, 2011, the summary will be the starting 

point for further dialogue among youths participating in the summit. This event will provide 

further opportunities for youths to respond to these and other issues that they find pertinent and 

to learn about ED policies that address these issues.

Even though the youths raised varying issues across the tour stops, during each discussion they

continually emphasized the importance of education to their futures. They recognized that a 

quality education is the key to a successful life, and that teachers, parents, and community 

members all play vital and supportive roles in their journeys. The youths participating in the 

NYLT courageously offered their honest feelings and experiences. In gratitude, the following 

summary attempts to communicate that, at the very least, ―we hear you.‖

Content of This Report

The following summary details the most predominant themes of concern that young people 

expressed during the tour. The themes for the entire tour are examined first, followed by the 

themes discussed at each tour stop. When available, quotes from youths during the tour are 

included to help illustrate the themes. The methodology used to determine the top themes 

follows, and last, an acknowledgements section is included to thank all of the community 

partners involved in the tour. 
3

Figure 1: National Youth Listening Tour Stops, July–November 2010

Table 1: NYLT Participating Cities and Partnering Youth Organizations

Participating Cities Youth Organizations 

Albuquerque, N.M. Elev8, New Mexico Youth Alliance, SWOP

Boston, Mass. Boston Student Advisory Council, Youth on Board- BPS, Young People’s 

Project, Sociedad Latina, YOUNG Coalition, Hyde Square Taskforce, 

Boston Area Youth Organizing Project

Chicago, Ill. VOYCES, Elev8, Mivka Youth Challenge, Young People’s Project

Jackson, Miss. Young People’s Project, Children’s Defense Fund, Mayor’s Youth 

Initiative, United Way

Los Angeles and Long Beach, Calif. Californians for Justice, Inner City Struggle, Community Coalition, UCLA 

Youth Research Group

Memphis, Tenn. Memphis Public Schools, Envoy Project

National Urban League, LULAC

Newark, N.J. Mayor’s Office, Abbott Leadership Institute, Youth Media Symposium, 

Youth Court

Oakland, San Francisco, and 

Richmond, Calif.

Coleman Youth Advocates, Californians for Justice, Youth Together, Safe 

Passages

Philadelphia, Pa. Youth United for Change, Philadelphia Student Union, Philadelphia Youth 

Commission, Asian Students that Led Boycott

Seattle and Tacoma, Wash. Flossin Media, Nature Consortium, Youth Media Seattle, State Office of 

Public Instruction
4

II. Top Tour Themes 

The top five key themes overall and the top themes from the categories of school, family, and 

community are listed below. National themes were drawn from a pool of top themes from each 

tour stop, including the top three issues raised for school, family, and community in each city. 

Figure 2 illustrates the relative frequency of the leading five themes across all tour stops. Figures

3, 4, and 5 illustrate the frequency with which leading themes occurred across all tour stops in 

the categories of school, family, and community, respectively.

A. Top Five Themes: Overall

1. Effective Teaching: During the listening tour, students expressed concern about the 

effectiveness of teaching. They expressed their desire for both high-quality 

instruction and for more motivation and encouragement from teachers. Students also 

stressed their need for teachers "who care" and whom they "can trust." Students 

would like to see less negativity in the classroom. Participating youths stressed that 

they feel teachers need more support, including more training, more mentoring by 

master teachers, and more teachers' aides. Students felt that teachers should provide 

support by not teaching to the test, caring for students, offering one-on-one attention, 

providing information on tutoring help, and by taking time to explain assignments. 

Students also expressed that administrators should take time to hire good teachers. 

Youths noted that teachers at inner-city schools often are the least experienced and 

that high turnover rates make it difficult for youths to form relationships with 

teachers. Students expressed that lasting relationships with teachers are a critical part 

of creating stability in their lives. 

2. College Information Gaps: Students expressed that information about the college 

application, financial aid, and SAT/ACT processes is hard to find for both students 

and their parents. They stressed that the dissemination of college information and 

communicating the importance of college should begin in earlier grades. Some 

parents, youths reported, do not understand the college process because they did not 

go to college. To address this issue, students think that schools should offer parents 

workshops about college application and financial aid processes.

3. Parental Involvement: Youths felt strongly about the importance of parental 

involvement. Students stressed that motivation from their parents is essential and that 

parents should talk to their children about school, read with their children, help them 

with homework, attend teacher meetings and practice positive reinforcement. A 

positive environment at home is important to youths. Students suggested that schools 

should provide workshops for parents to learn strategies for getting involved in their 

children’s education. Some students expressed that they received minimal support at 

home.
5

4. Community Mentors: Youths emphasized that a stable relationship with a mentoring 

adult over the course of their high school career is important for school success. 

Mentors that share students’ cultural backgrounds are especially helpful, students 

said. Youths stressed that students without supportive families benefit the most from 

having mentors in their lives. 

5. School Climate and Discipline: Youths emphasized that some schools are too 

focused on security and discipline, which creates an unwelcoming and hostile school 

environment. Zero tolerance policies add to the harsh school climate, according to 

students. Youths stressed that schools should focus on rehabilitation rather than 

punishment.

Figure 2: Top Themes Across Tour Stops for All Categories, by Frequency of 

Occurrence in Discussions

*The top themes are the five most frequently occurring themes from among the 84 top tour-stop themes. The top 84 theme pool 

includes the top three themes for each issue category (school, family, community) for all 11 tour stops. The discussion structure at 

the tour stops varied and not all discussions included every category, causing the overall theme pool to shrink. The pool of top 

themes is detailed by tour stop in Part III. 

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Effective 

Teaching

College 

Information Gap

Parental 

lnvolvement

Community 

Mentors

School Climate

Frequency (Among Tour Stops' Top Three Themes)*

Top Five Tour-Stop Themes
6

B. Top Themes: School

1. Effective Teaching: Students are concerned about effectiveness of teaching (See Part 

A, Number 1). 

2. College Information Gaps: Students expressed that information about the college 

application, financial aid, and SAT/ACT processes is hard to find (See Part A, 

Number 2). 

3. School Climate and Discipline: Youths emphasized that some school environments 

are too focused around security and discipline (See Part A, Number 5).

4. Counselors: Youths stressed that there are too few counselors per school, and student 

meetings with them are too infrequent. 

5. Lack of Resources: Students expressed that the schools experience a serious lack of 

resources, including books, computers, or money for stimulating activities such as 

field trips. Some school buildings also fall into disrepair and languish in poor 

condition, according to students.

6. Challenging Courses: Students expressed a desire for more challenging curricula and 

more engaging classes. Students want more classes that prepare them for college, 

including SAT/ACT preparation classes.

7. Teacher:Student Ratio: Students stressed that there were too few teachers, creating 

large, inefficient classes.
7

Figure 3: Top Themes Across Tour Stops: School Category, by Frequency of 

Occurrence in Discussions

*Frequency among 11 tour stops’ top three school-related themes (Teacher quality was a top-three theme about school for 9 out of 11 tour stops.) 

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

Frequency, by Tour Stop*

School
8

C. Top Themes: Family

1. Parental Involvement: Youths felt strongly about the importance of parent 

involvement (See Part A, Number 3).

2. Being a Role Model: Students said they are motivated to go to college so that they 

can be a role model for their siblings, families, and peers. They are also motivated by 

seeing their own parents return to school.

3. Importance of College: Youths conveyed that some parents do not see a need for 

college and do not support their children going to college. Youths stressed that

schools should communicate the importance of college to parents.

4. Money for College: Students expressed that the lack of money for college acts as a 

barrier to college completion. Students reported that their families have limited 

income to support college attendance and that family struggles with money are a 

major barrier to success in school generally.

5. Family Instability: Students expressed that instability in the home caused by issues 

such as divorce, incarceration, young parenting, drug use, job loss, homelessness, and 

pregnancy adversely affected some students’ school life.
9

Figure 4: Top Themes Across Tour Stops: Family Category, by Frequency of 

Occurrence in Discussions

*Frequency among 11 tour stops’ top three family-related themes (Parent involvement was a top-three theme about family for 8 out of 10 tour 

stops.) 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Importance of 

parental 

involvement

Going to college 

to be a role model 

for siblings, 

family

Some parents do 

not see need for 

college

Lack of money 

for college

Family instability 

detrimental to 

education

Frequency, by Tour Stop*

Family
10

D. Top Themes: Community

1. Community Mentors: Youths said they believe that a stable relationship with a 

mentoring adult over the course of high school is important for school success (See 

Part A, Number 4). 

2. Internship and Job Opportunities: Students indicated that increased internship 

opportunities in the community would help youths gain work experience and 

exposure to diverse careers. Students would like more help from community partners 

to find job experiences through work-study, to strengthen their résumés, and to find 

internships.

3. Safe, Positive Environment: Students said that they are motivated to go to college as 

a way to escape poverty, gangs, and dependence on government assistance. Students 

emphasized the importance of having a clean, safe, positive environment to live in. 

They said that gangs and violence in their communities have a detrimental effect on 

their school lives.

4. Community Youth Programs: Students expressed that community programs need to 

reach out to students to give them more information about what is available. Students 

shared that community partners can provide extracurricular programs for them by 

fundraising and writing grants. Students stressed that community programs will help 

youths stay away from gangs and drugs.

5. College Partnerships: Youths said that colleges and high schools should form 

partnerships to allow for student visits, classes on campus, and other joint activities.
11

Figure 5: Top Themes Across Tour Stops: Community Category, by Frequency of 

Occurrence in Discussions

*Frequency among 11 tour stops’ top three community-related themes (Mentoring was a top-three theme about school for 8 out of 10 tour 

stops.) 

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Community 

Mentors

Internship and Job 

Opportunities

Safe, Positive 

Environment

Community 

Youth Programs

College 

Partnerships

Frequency, by Tour Stop*

Community
12

III. Key Themes by Tour Stop

A. Chicago 

Overview

 75 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were VOYCES, Elev8, Mivka Youth Challenge, and the

Young People’s Project.

 Figure 6 illustrates the frequency with which students at the Chicago tour stop remarked 

on each of the leading themes. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Chicago said they are concerned about the quality of teaching. They would 

like more motivation and encouragement from teachers.

o ―Students need more encouragement, teachers give up on students and they need 

to set a higher bar.‖

o ―Teachers with seniority might not always be motivating. Newer teachers with 

more motivation were let go, so now there are more classes that are not 

motivating.‖

 Students in Chicago expressed that college application and financial aid information is 

hard to find for both students and their parents. 

o ―More workshops to help with applying for college.‖

o ―Have school staff who can help parents understand the process—a college 

outreach resource person.‖

 Students wanted to see more challenging curricula; many students said classes are 

―boring.‖

o ―College prep classes are not challenging.‖

o ―Curriculum should be more rigorous.‖

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Chicago students were asked about their motivations to go to college. Several students 

expressed that being able to provide for their future families and to contribute to their 

communities were major motivations for them to go to college.
13

o ―(Going to college to get) money in order to help people who need it.‖

o ―(Going to college) to be able to provide and take care of my family.‖

o ―Motivated . . . to become a positive role model and be educated to help (my) 

community.‖

 Students expressed that they found minimal support at home.

o ―Don’t really get support—graduating high school is good enough (for them).‖

o ―They gave up on me when I was having troubles in 9th grade and got kicked 

out.‖

 It was emphasized that students sometimes drop out due to pressure from their families to 

contribute to the family monetarily. 

o ―(I get) negative support—they just want me to work.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students pointed to several successful college preparation and dropout prevention 

programs in their communities that work: AVID, APNC, VOYCE, KOCO, Upward 

Bound. 

o ―There was no support in high school, I dropped out two times but am back 

getting my GED and going to college because of VOYCE.‖

o ―KOCO builds leadership opportunities, provides role models, and youth 

empowerment.‖

 Students said that they are motivated to go to college as a way to escape poverty, gangs, 

and dependence on welfare. 

o ―(Going to college for) independence and escape.‖

o ―(Going to college to) get away from the violence.‖

 Students expressed that community programs need to reach out to students to give them 

more information about what is available.

o ―Organizations should reach out to more schools.‖ 
14

Figure 6: Top Themes by Tour Stop: Chicago, by Frequency of Occurrence in 

Discussions

 *Figure reads: Students mentioned successful program examples 26 times and the importance of quality teaching 12 times in the roundtable discussions in Chicago.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Frequency, by student comment*

Chicago
15

B. Boston

Overview

 150 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Boston Student Advisory Council, Youth on Board- BPS, 

Young People’s Project, Sociedad Latina, YOUNG Coalition, Hyde Square Taskforce, 

and the Boston Area Youth Organizing Project.

 Figure 7 illustrates the frequency with which students at the Boston tour stop remarked 

on each of the leading themes. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Boston said they want more rigorous curricula and college preparation in high 

school. They want to take college courses in high school, and would like more SAT 

preparation courses, consistent meetings with college advisors, and reduced turnover in 

advisors. They would like college preparation and information dissemination to start as 

early as middle school and would like schools to follow up through college.

 ―Students are pushed toward passing tests but not given college readiness skills.‖

 ―Need to be challenged academically instead of being given busy work.‖

 ―Why can't all high schools offer college classes?”

 Students stressed that there exists an information gap regarding the college process in 

their schools. Boston youths stressed that the steps for college and financial aid 

applications are hard to discover for both students and parents. Students would like more 

information on general help for themselves and their families. Students wanted to 

improve communications between the school and the parents and make meetings more 

flexible for working parents.

 ―Keep students aware of deadlines, due dates. Let students know what they need 

to do to apply to and enter college.‖

 ―Adults need to help students understand the steps to college.‖

 ―If we succeed everyone takes credit—if we fail no one is responsible.‖

 Building relationships with teachers and advisors over the entire high school career is 

important to Boston students. Youths reported that they need motivation and guidance

from a consistent figure, which is made difficult by the high turnover rates for teachers 
16

and advisors. Some youths reported that they relate best to teachers that share a cultural 

background. 

 ―Teachers should mentor students—push the next generation to do better.‖

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Students said they are motivated to go to college so that they can be a role model for their 

siblings, family, and peers.

o ―I'll be the first to go to college and people will look up to me—I’ll be a role 

model in my family‖

o ―I want to be a role model for my siblings, make my family proud.‖

 Students would like to see families get more involved in their children’s education.

o ―Teachers can talk to my family more, more family involvement.‖

o ―(Schools should have) more parent nights to help parents understand the college 

process.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Boston students said they believe that cultural groups should engage with one another in 

school. They stressed that cultural exposure helps to break stereotypes. Sensitivity to 

sexual orientation is important to them as well. Also, Boston students said that the 

curriculum should reflect students’ cultures and they relate more to culturally diverse 

teachers.

o ―Let everybody know that you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are.‖

o ―Sometimes students' cultures aren't represented.‖

o ―Some students are not sensitive to other cultures and races.‖

 Local colleges have outreach programs that Boston students feel are helpful, such as 

Upward Bound and Bottom Line. 

o ―Upward Bound helps prepare after school.‖

 Students in Boston would like more involvement of community mentors with students, 

especially those who share a culture with the youths.

o ―(Should have) a mentor program for young men of color by men of color.‖
17

 Students would like to see more internship opportunities in their communities.

o ―Schools must publicize internships and volunteer opportunities.‖

Figure 7: Top Themes by Tour Stop: Boston, by Frequency of Occurrence in 

Discussions

 *Figure reads: Boston students mentioned better college preparation 25 times in the roundtable discussions.‖

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Frequency, by student comment 

Boston
18

C. Los Angeles and Long Beach

Overview

 150 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Californians for Justice, Inner City Struggle, Community 

Coalition, and UCLA Youth Research Group.

 Figure 8 illustrates the frequency with which students at the Los Angeles and Long Beach 

tour stops remarked on each of the leading themes. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Los Angeles said they are very interested in the effectiveness of the teaching

they receive. Students stressed that they need motivated teachers who encourage their 

students. They said they need teachers "who care" and whom they "trust." Many teachers, 

students felt, focus too much on discipline. High turnover rates exacerbate the problem, 

students reported.

 ―There need to be teachers to motivate you to not give up, not just who know how 

to teach their subject.‖

 ―Teachers play a major role in our success.‖

 ―Principal and other teachers (are) all very dedicated—it makes the students not 

want to disappoint them.‖

 ―There’s a lack of help—teachers don’t have enough time.‖

 ―Sometimes it feels like teachers are there for a paycheck.‖

 ―Teachers get laid off, and it is not fair because it is the good teachers.‖

 Students in Los Angeles expressed that their schools experience a serious lack of 

resources, including books, computers, and money for enriching activities such as field 

trips. 

 ―History class doesn’t have enough books, had to take books from another 

school. (We) had handouts that students had to buy themselves.‖

 ―Sometimes there are classes with homework assigned from textbooks but you 

can’t get homework done because they don’t have enough textbooks.‖

 Students in Los Angeles said that their schools’ environments are centered on security, 

which can make schools feel like "prisons." Some schools have bars on the windows, 
19

barbed wire, and numerous police officers. Zero tolerance policies add to the harsh 

school environment, according to Los Angeles students. 

o "We need counselors, not cops."

o ―We’re treated like criminals."

o ―Police shouldn’t be there—Breaking a school rule isn’t breaking a law‖

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Students in Los Angeles said that their parents do not understand the college process, 

because some of them did not go to college. Some parents do not see the need for college. 

Students said schools should communicate more with the parents about the process and 

why it is important and that parents in turn should get more involved in their children’s 

education. Students think schools should offer workshops on the college process for 

parents.

o ―Work is instilled in them . . . it’s difficult for them to understand the need for 

college.‖

o ―I need my parents to understand why we are doing this, and why (I am) studying 

late.‖

 Students stressed that it is hard to balance the demands of school and home life. Many 

students have responsibilities at home, including taking care of their siblings. Students 

also may have long work hours that take away time from their schoolwork.

o ―(I) have to work, pick up (my) parents’ responsibilities, it is hard to do extracurricular activities to be competitive for college.‖

 Students expressed that they are motivated to go to college to make their family proud, 

and sometimes to be the first in their family to go to college. They said they feel pride in 

themselves for their achievements and for being on the road to college.

o ―Proud I’m the first one in my family headed to college.‖

o ―Proud of myself, I’m the first to graduate after four dropout brothers and 

sisters.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students in Los Angeles emphasized that schools in wealthier communities receive more 

resources than schools in their communities.
20

o ―Westchester High School textbooks are a month late, some schools get books 

right away, but not black and brown schools.‖

o ―Our school looks different from Beverly Hills.‖

 Students would like more help finding résumé assistance, internships, and jobs in their 

community.

o ―(We) need more programs outside of school connected to careers—more diverse 

internships and apprentice opportunities like in nursing and engineering.‖

 Students say that undocumented students face more barriers to college.

o ―Undocumented students find it difficult for programs that require I.D.‖

Figure 8: Top Themes by Tour Stop: Los Angeles and Long Beach, by Frequency of 

Occurrence in Discussions

 *Figure reads: Los Angeles and Long Beach students mentioned high-quality, engaging teaching 31 times in the roundtable discussions.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Frequency, by student comment*

Los Angeles and Long Beach
21

D. Urban League Summit 

Overview

 400 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Urban League and the League of United Latin American 

Citizens. 

 Figure 9 illustrates the frequency with which students at the Urban League Summit 

remarked on each of the leading themes. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students at the Urban League Summit said that they need more motivating teachers who

are able to give more individualized attention. They would also like to see less negativity

in the classroom and believe that teachers who care are important. They said that 

teachers' interest wanes over the school year. Students said they feel that teachers need 

more training and more support, such as senior teacher mentors and teachers’ aides. 

o ―Teachers should be more experienced.‖

o ―Teachers need more support—mentors, and teachers’ aides.‖

o ―Teachers can be trained better.‖

 Students at the Urban League Summit stressed that a barrier for students to attending 

college is a lack of access to college preparation, such as rigorous courses, SAT 

preparation, information about the college application and FAFSA process, college visits 

and college fairs.

o ―Schools should be better at getting information out.‖

o ―We should have more college fairs and college visits.‖

 Students emphasized that schools need more motivating counselors who also collaborate 

with teachers. They also argue that they need more counselors per school.

o ―You have to seek out help from guidance counselors.‖

o ―Guidance counselors and teachers should collaborate more.‖

2. Key Themes: Family

 The students at the Urban League Summit felt strongly about the importance of parental

involvement. Students reported that parental motivation is key to college success and that 
22

parents should focus on talking about school, reading as a family, helping with 

homework, attending teacher meetings and practicing positive reinforcement. Online 

access to grades would facilitate improved parental involvement, according to youths at 

the Urban League Summit.

o ―Parents should ask how their (children’s) work is.‖

o ―Parents should be more involved in school—stay ―on top‖ of students so they 

don’t slack off.‖ 

 Students expressed that parents and students need to better understand the importance of 

college. They argued that schools should communicate the importance of college from a 

young age. Students said that a parent returning to school provides a good example for 

his or her child.

o ―Family members that have degrees is a plus.‖

 Students emphasized that problems at home can affect their success at school.

o ―Home problems and issues may take away from school work and students might 

not be comfortable talking with their parents.‖

o ―Better home environment is necessary for kids.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students at the Urban League Summit emphasized that exposure to different careers 

through work-study programs and internships play an important role in developing their 

work skills. 

o ―Teachers need to provide more career prep.‖

o ―Schools need to diversify career awareness.‖

 Students said that mentors from the community should help students, especially those 

students without supportive families.

o ―(Communities should have) mentoring provided to schools through partnerships 

and affiliation.‖
23

 Students expressed that community service, service learning, and leadership opportunities

for students are important and should be increased.

o ―(Communities should have) more student leadership programs.‖

Figure 9: Top Themes by Tour Stop: Urban League Summit in Washington, D.C., by 

Frequency of Occurrence in Discussions

 *Exhibit reads: Students at the Urban League Summit mentioned parental involvement 22 times in the roundtable discussions.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Frequency, by student comment*

Urban League Summit
24

E. Albuquerque

Overview

 100 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Elev8, New Mexico Youth Alliance, and the Southwest 

Organizing Project (SWOP).

 Figure 10 illustrates the frequency with which students at the Albuquerque tour stop 

remarked on each of the leading themes. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Albuquerque emphasized that the most pressing barrier to college completion 

that they face is the lack of information about college at school and at home. They 

expressed that information about the application process, including college forms, 

scholarships, financial aid, and ACT/SAT testing, is missing from their school 

experiences.

 Students in Albuquerque said they believe that teachers should offer more support. They

stressed that teachers should provide support by not teaching to the test, caring for 

students, offering one-on-one attention, providing information on tutoring help, and 

taking time to explain class work and homework assignments. Students also expressed 

that school administrators should take time to hire good teachers. 

 Students said that an additional barrier to going to college can be a lack of confidence 

that some students feel in their abilities. Albuquerque students said that some schools do 

not properly prepare students for the transition to college, which causes students to 

hesitate to apply. 

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Students in Albuquerque expressed that a barrier they face getting to college is a lack of 

money. Students have limited family income to support college attendance, whether for 

two- or four-year colleges or in- or out-of-state colleges.

 Students emphasized the importance of parental involvement, which includes parents 

providing homework help and teaching studying techniques. Students suggested schools 

provide homework-help workshops for parents to learn the importance of homework time 

and strategies for helping with homework. 

 Youths stressed that parents need to motivate and encourage their children and to make

education a high priority.
25

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students in Albuquerque expressed that community partners should provide college 

information within trusted community settings like libraries and community centers. The 

information provided should address the college application process, scholarships, 

financial aid, ACT/SAT preparation materials, one-on-one support, information for 

parents, and information on college for students who do not have citizenship. 

 Students in Albuquerque said that community-based organizations should utilize 

relationships with businesses to fundraise for college scholarships.

 Youths proposed that community partners provide extracurricular programs by 

fundraising and writing grants. These activities should be interesting to youths and

include their input.

Figure 10: Top Themes by Tour Stop: Albuquerque, by Frequency of Occurrence in 

Discussions

 *For example, students mentioned the college information gap 27 times in the roundtable notes.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Frequency, by student comment*

Albuquerque
26

F. Seattle and Tacoma

Overview

 500 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Flossin Media, Nature Consortium, Youth Media Seattle, 

and the State Office of Public Instruction.

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Seattle and Tacoma expressed that effective teaching is important to them. 

They would like to see better teacher-student relationships, including better classroom 

management. They said that teachers need to be more open, students need more 

encouragement in schools, and that teachers should meet one-on-one with students. 

Seattle and Tacoma students said that teachers should check in with students at least once 

a month.

 Students in Seattle and Tacoma emphasized that discipline is an issue. Peer pressure to do 

drugs and join gangs is strong, but students said that schools should focus more on 

rehabilitation in schools instead of punishment. It feels like schools are more interested in 

kicking students out when what they need is treatment, students said. Students added that 

when students disrupt classes they are often just bored and need work that is more 

challenging. 

 The students also said that college preparation, including conveying the importance of 

college, should start early on, as soon as elementary school. 

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Seattle and Tacoma students also emphasized that parental involvement is very 

important. 

o "Parents need to check up on their kids to see how they are doing.‖

o ―Parents need to help us with our homework. They need to be home. If not, they 

need to provide us with a tutor.‖

o ―Parents need to stay in the game and do their job, and be a part of our lives."

 Seattle and Tacoma youths also expressed that a positive home environment is very 

important for their well-being. 

o ―Parents need to not talk down to students, like ―You are going to grow up to be 

nothing!‖ 
27

o ―Parents need to stop comparisons, they say, ―I used to do this,‖ well I am not 

you.‖

o ―Parents need to tell us ’I love you.’"

3. Key Themes: Community

 Seattle and Tacoma students emphasized the importance of having a clean, safe, and

positive environment to live in. They said that gangs and violence in their communities 

have a detrimental effect on students’ school lives.

 Students expressed that the community should provide more youth clubs, sports, and 

community center activities for youths to help combat the effects of gangs and violence. 

 Students also stressed that mentors from the community can play critical roles in helping 

students achieve and go on to college. 
28

G. Memphis 

Overview

 75 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Memphis Public Schools and the Envoy Project.

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Memphis expressed that schools need more teachers to reduce the teacher-tostudent ratio. 

 They also said that bullying is problematic in many of the schools. 

 Students proposed implementing numerous improvements in their schools, including 

better cafeteria food, more hands-on learning, and field trips. 

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Students in Memphis emphasized that the lack of resources and financial struggles in the 

homes of students were barriers to school success.

 Students also stressed that having a family that supported their education, through 

positive reinforcement and involvement in their schooling, was critical to student success.

 Students expressed that instability in the home caused by issues such as divorce, 

incarceration, and young parenting adversely affected some students’ school life. 

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students in Memphis stressed that the media portrayed their schools in a negative light, 

which created a barrier to success.

 Students expressed their concern about negative influences in the community, including 

the prevalence of gangs and drugs.

 Memphis students thought that mentors from the community were valuable assets for 

students to overcome barriers to college success. 
29

H. Oakland, San Francisco, and Richmond

Overview

 100 participating youths

 Sponsoring organizations were Coleman Youth Advocates, Californians for Justice, 

Youth Together, and Safe Passages. 

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in these Bay Area cities expressed concern about cutbacks at their schools, 

which have resulted in a lack of electives, textbooks, teachers, and counselors. There are 

not always enough books for everyone to take home. When there are textbooks, they 

seem outdated.

 Students in the Bay Area also stressed the importance of culturally relevant curricula and 

home-language-appropriate school documents. 

 Students were concerned that counselors focus too much on discipline in the schools, 

even while bullying has become detrimental to school climate. Students expressed that 

they are not finding help to ensure they have the appropriate classes to graduate. 
30

I. Newark 

Overview

 100 participating youths

 Sponsoring partners were the City of Newark, Abbott Leadership Institute, the YEES 

Center/TEEM Gateway, the Newark Youth Court, Education Reform Now, the NJ All 

Stars Project and TEAM Charter Schools.

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Newark stressed that there are too few teachers and that classes are too large. 

Teacher cuts, they said, have led to larger class sizes. Students emphasized that schools 

need more certified teachers who care and are skilled at classroom management. They 

offered that better teacher evaluations might help. Newark youths said that some teachers 

teach to the test and do not push students past the point of passing the test. They added 

that teachers’ aides might help alleviate some of these issues. 

 ―Classrooms are too large; too many teachers have been cut.‖ 

 ―Boundaries aren’t set and teachers do not enforce learning.‖

 Students in Newark said that funding cuts have reduced resources available in schools,

including textbooks and science materials. The buildings fall into disrepair and languish 

in poor condition, they said. 

o ―There’s an issue with school cleanliness.‖

 ―Fix broken things in schools – immediately!‖

 They also were concerned about the lack of guidance regarding the college process and 

lack of ACT tutoring programs. 

o ―(Should have) college fairs to show choices and path, direction.‖

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Newark youths stressed that issues at home and outside of school affect school 

performance; drug use, lack of support, pregnancy, job loss, homelessness, gangs, and the 

need to financially support one’s family push students out of school.
31

o ―Children look for attention. It starts from the home, then community then school. 

If attention isn’t found, they drop out.‖

o ―Negative friends, drugs, and gangs are bad influences and students need to 

separate themselves.‖

 Newark students said that language barriers exist for some families and that they need 

culture-friendly information for families to understand the importance of college.

o ―(Need) multicultural . . . and bilingual info sessions for parents.‖ 

o ―(Need) ESL classes for parents.‖

 Newark youths indicated that more communication between schools and parents would 

contribute to student success, and that parents should more actively engage in their 

schooling. 

o ―Schools need to call the parents more.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Newark youths stressed the importance of volunteer opportunities in the community for 

students and the value of service learning. 

o ―Have students volunteer after school within afterschool programs.‖

 The students also emphasized that colleges should reach out to schools to bring students 

on tours, assist with college preparation and applications, and even to host classes on 

campus. 

o ―Develop more partnerships with colleges and have college prep classes on 

college campus.‖
32

J. Philadelphia 

Overview

 30 participating youths

 Sponsoring partners were Youth United for Change, Philadelphia Student Union, and the 

Philadelphia Youth Commission.

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Philadelphia stressed that violence is an issue in their schools but that current 

zero tolerance policies do not help. The policies encourage too many suspensions and 

create a detrimental, discipline-centered school climate. 

o ―(Suspensions) push you out of school."

o ―It hurts – it is like they are pushing you out of school and not addressing the 

issues or helping.‖

 Philadelphia youth indicated that teachers in inner-city schools often are the least 

experienced. High turnover rates make it difficult to form relationships with teachers, 

which is a critical part of creating stability in students’ lives. Youths in Philadelphia said 

that some students take advantage of new teachers. They also stressed that teachers 

should be open-minded, try to relate to students, and be willing to stay after school. 

Philadelphia youths noted that once new teachers have developed enough skills, they tend 

to leave for schools in the suburbs. 

o ―The neighborhood schools are said to be training ground for new teachers.‖

 Students stressed that there are too few counselors in the schools. 
33

K. Jackson

Overview

 30 participating youths

 Sponsoring partners were Young People’s Project, Children’s Defense Fund, Mayor’s 

Youth Initiative, and United Way of Jackson.

1. Key Themes: School

 Students in Jackson, Miss., emphasized the importance of quality teaching. Students 

stressed that some teachers do not take the time to provide extra help, and sometimes 

stereotype students. They would like to see more home visits by teachers, better 

classroom management, and more teachers "who care" about their students. 

 Youths in Jackson also expressed the need for more extracurricular programs, including 

remedial math, test preparation, and tutoring.

 Youth in Jackson emphasized that school environments that center on "unfair rules" do 

not promote learning, and that an emphasis on "school spirit" would help attenuate these 

problems. 

2. Key Themes: Family 

 Jackson youths stated that positive enforcement, encouragement, and motivation from 

their families were very important concepts, in addition to creating a more harmonious 

family life and environment at home. Students in Jackson impressed that they want to see 

more family engagement in school activities and homework; they propose family study 

time, studying together, and parents checking their children's work.

 Students in Jackson stressed that when parents go back to school they provide a good 

example for their child.

 Some students in Jackson stated that they were motivated to go to college to ―be better 

than their parents.‖

3. Key Themes: Community

 Students in Jackson reported that adult role models who mentor and encourage them to 

achieve are key components to college success. Youths also stated that dropouts should 

be encouraged to return to school by adult role models, not "talked about harshly."
34

 Students stressed the need for more libraries, gyms, and recreation centers in their 

Jackson communities. 

 Students also emphasized the importance of community opportunities, such as jobs and 

service projects.
35

IV. Methodology 

The summary of findings uses notes from 11 of the NYLT stops (see Figure 1 and Table 1). In 

no way is the summary a scientific study, nor is it a representative survey of our nation’s youths. 

The summary attempts to reflect themes that rose to the surface at each tour stop and to report 

the themes that were most common across the stops. Tour stop notes varied in form from city to 

city; some notes are students’ individually written ideas and some have been compiled by 

facilitators of student discussions. All of the notes represent the observations, thoughts, and 

solutions expressed by the youths participating in the NYLT. 

The NYLT notes were analyzed and themes for each tour stop were defined. References to each 

theme in the notes were added up. The three themes with the most references in each of the 

categories of school, family, and community are summarized in this report for each of the 11 tour 

stops. Last, the top themes for each tour stop were pooled and used to determine the most 

common themes across tour stops.

Limitations

The variation in note taking across tour stops resulted in a varied amount of detail in students’ 

individual comments and observations. Some tour stops, notably Seattle-Tacoma, Memphis, 

Oakland, Newark, Philadelphia, and Jackson, produced notes that did not allow for the ranking 

of student comments by frequency. For this reason, these cities do not have their themes’ rank 

order represented graphically. Additionally, due to variance in note format, not all themes 

highlighted in this summary have corresponding quotes from youths. 

Let it be noted that youths participating in the Urban League Summit came from across the 

country, and so the themes from it do not represent a particular geography. Additionally, the tour 

stops overrepresented youths from urban school districts, and so any evaluation of student 

feedback should be placed in this context. As ED continues the dialogue with the youths of 

America, we hope to diversify the feedback pool to include more students from rural, suburban, 

and other geographies.

Additional youth roundtables were held in Camden, N.J.; Chester, Pa.; and Baltimore, Md. Even 

though these discussions provided valuable feedback, the format of the roundtables did not lend 

themselves to being included in this summary. 
36

V. Acknowledgements 

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Communications and Outreach would like to 

thank the following organizations for their assistance in arranging the NYLT stops and for their 

continuing dedication to improving the lives of our nation’s youths. 

Abbott Leadership Institute

The Achievement Project

Adobe Youth Voices

Alliance for Educational Justice

Baltimore Algebra Project

Boston Area Youth Organizing Project

Boston Student Advisory Council

Californians for Justice

Camden Public Schools

Children’s Defense Fund

Coleman Youth Advocates

Community Coalition (Los Angeles)\

Council of Youth Research

Elev8 (Boston)

Elev8 (New Mexico)

Elev8 (Oakland)

Envoy Project

Flossin Media

Hyde Square Taskforce

Inner City Struggle

LULAC (National)

Mayor’s Youth Initiative (Jackson, Ms.)

Memphis Public Schools

Mivka Youth Challenge

Nature Consortium (Seattle)

New Lens

New Mexico Youth Alliance

Newark, New Jersey Mayor’s Office

Philadelphia Student Union

Philadelphia Youth Commission

Safe Passages

Sociedad Latina

State Office of Public Instruction (Seattle and Tacoma)

Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP)

UCLA IDEA’s Council of Youth Research 

United Way of Jackson

Urban League (National)

VOYCES 

Wide Angle Media

YOUNG Coalition

Young People’s Project

Youth Court (Newark)

Youth Media Seattle

Youth Media Symposium 

Youth on Board, Boston Public Schools

Youth Together

Youth United for Change
37

The Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for 

global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

www.ed.gov