Full Results
Read the full results of Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans.
Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans Sine Institute Survey Shows What Young Americans Look for in Leaders
The Sine Institute’s innovative “Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans” poll reveals new insight into the attributes that young Americans ages 18-34 look for in their political leaders, as well as other topics related to voting and other forms of civic engagement. This is the third annual Sine Institute survey focused on understanding young Americans’ unique perspectives on political leadership and engagement.
The study employed innovative methodologies, including testing messages that were focused on different leadership traits and that were delivered via audio clips with an AI-generated voice. Those results and other survey responses pointed to a combination of four winning leadership traits, with more than four in ten respondents considering messages that spoke to “Integrity,” “Authenticity,” “Inclusivity,” and “Compassion” as “very appealing in a leader.”
This research was an investment in understanding what it is that young Americans look for in political leaders, their levels of optimism about their own lives and the future of the country, their levels of involvement in causes they care about, and more. The data is important information for those running for elected office, setting policy, and shaping institutions that closely intersect with young Americans’ lives.
The Sine Institute’s research uncovers unique insight into the minds of young people today - and what leaders need to know - in order to connect with young Americans and support today’s youth in turning their dreams into reality.
The survey was designed by the Sine Institute in partnership with Future Caucus and Close Up Foundation and was based on interviews conducted by Generation Lab, a data intelligence company that gathers and interprets the views and behavior of young adults.
An advisory group of 10 AU graduate and undergraduate students from across the university helped to design the poll, formulate its questions, and provide feedback on the survey methodology and results.
Introduction and Methodology
This is the third annual Sine Institute survey focused on understanding young Americans' (ages 18-34) perspectives on politics, community engagement, and public service.
The Outlook of Young Americans
Young Americans report a mix of feelings and experiences that pull them in different directions.
Young Americans' Engagement
We asked respondents about 10 different causes and activities (and also allowed them to volunteer additional civic interests).
Diagnosing the Problem
Like all Americans, young Americans identify a wide range of problems with our current political landscape.
Building a New Foundation
A core aim of this project is to move beyond simply diagnosing and reinforcing the frustration that young Americans feel about our current political leadership. The groundwork for a new model begins with some fundamentals.
Recasting the "Pitch" to Young Americans
One of the innovative methodological techniques we employed in this project involved testing eight (8) short audio clips of hypothetical candidates making appeals based on different values and leadership styles.
Identifying New and Authentic Tactics & Strategies
The survey explored different ways that candidates and political leaders can establish connections with young Americans and demonstrate their commitment to them.
The 2024 Election
With this rich context and backdrop for considering the unique perspective of young Americans, there are important dynamics surrounding the 2024 presidential race.
Background on the Project
Background on Reimagining Political Leadership: The Outlook of Young Americans.
For full crosstabs, please contact the Sine Institute at sineinstitute@american.edu.
The Sine Institute worked with Hattaway Communications on a helpful toolkit based on our survey to help elected officials, candidates for office and others connect with young Americans.
Meet Our Partners
Close Up Foundation
Close Up Foundation
Founded in 1971, Close Up Foundation is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, civic education organization that believes a strong democracy requires active, informed participation by all citizens. Close Up seeks to serve young people from all communities and all backgrounds, regardless of race, religion, gender, socioeconomic level, or academic standing. For over 50 years, we have partnered with schools nationwide to serve more than one million students and educators through experiential programs in our nation’s capital and in local communities, virtual programs, professional development, and curriculum and resource design. Close Up Washington DC’s issue-centric, nonpartisan curriculum gives participants a deeper understanding of history, government institutions, current issues, and the role of citizens.
Generation Lab
Generation Lab
Generation Lab is a data intelligence company that translate youth views and behavior for media, academia, businesses, government, and the American public. Generation Lab uses proprietary methods that streamline the polling process for respondents, maintain exceptional data integrity, and enhance data collection. Generation Lab specializes in studying young people and the trends that shape the future and works to “pursue youth truth” for clients and the American public. Generation Lab’s work has been featured in such media outlets as AXIOS, PBS, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and others.
Future Caucus
Future Caucus
The Future Caucus is an organization dedicated to renewing American democracy. In collaboration with dozens of Millennial leaders across the country, and with the generous support of visionary philanthropists, the Future Caucus was formed and officially launched in 2013. The Future Caucus works directly with our nation’s leading young policymakers on both a national and state level to bridge the partisan divide and lead a new era of collaborative governance. As a national, nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to activating millennial and Gen Z policymakers, Future Caucus gives our nation’s young leaders the resources and support to develop and pass innovative policy solutions — and forge productive partnerships on the issues affecting the youngest generations of Americans.
Reimagining Political Leadership Poll Student Reactions
The Sine Institute's new poll of young Americans ages 18-34 unveils new perspectives on Gen Z attitudes towards leadership, politics, and more. Check out this engaging video of poll reactions from the group of 10 graduate and undergraduate students who formed the 2024 Sine Institute Poll Advisory Committee.