"You can’t really solve anything until you know what the true root of the problem is… I think that’s what this survey did for us."

Devon, Atlanta, GA

"I’m very happy that our school participated in YouthTruth…it was a good experience, and I think our voices were heard."

Crystal, Atlanta, GA

"I feel like YouthTruth really puts our voice out there… gives us a chance to say, hey, we need help."

Alex, Atlanta, GA

"[Students are] the reason why we’re teachers, why we’re in the classroom, and if you don’t like this, you shouldn’t be a teacher. And if we don’t take time to listen to them, we’re missing a great opportunity to help our students."

Mr. Hunt, Laurinburg, NC

"…it’s really an eye-opener for the teachers, like OK, maybe I’m doing something wrong, maybe I need to do something different."

Alex, Atlanta, GA

"I believe they really are going to try to make a change so we can have a better year."

Gabrielle, Atlanta, GA

"You actually get to see the data, and you see the issues in your school and you’re able to go to your administrators and address them."

Geremante, Atlanta, GA

"We felt we should be heard, we deserve to be heard. Now we’re getting the opportunity to be heard and to be accounted for."

Skylar, Laurinburg, NC


welcome to YouthTruth

YouthTruth is a national survey project that gathers candid and actionable feedback from high school students about their experiences at school — what they believe is working well and what could be improved. The project combines rigorous data collection and analysis with an emphasis on empowering students and capturing their voices.

YouthTruth is a project of The Center for Effective Philanthropy, developed in collaboration with The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

CEP recently hosted a webinar on YouthTruth. Watch a replay of that webinar below to hear from Valerie Threlfall, Director of the YouthTruth project.