August 31, 2026 \ Edition 52

Or at least more engaged ones, according to a new poll from Gallup and the Walton Family Foundation. Their 2026 Voices of Gen Z study, released last week, highlighted the importance of human connection, belonging and support in young people's experience of school. The survey found that K–12 students who feel engaged, supported and connected at school are more than five times as likely to look forward to school most days as those with the weakest experiences of engagement and connection (75% vs. 14%). They are also far more likely to be thriving (73% vs. 31%) and to feel prepared for the future (81% vs. 27%).

The findings are particularly relevant to social connection because belonging isn't treated as an optional extra. One in three students says they don't feel like they belong at school, while three in ten say they don't have an adult at school who recognizes their talents and interests. The report suggests that meaningful relationships with teachers and other adults can help make school feel more relevant and supportive. 

There are also significant barriers: 24% of Gen Z students reported missing three or more days of school in the previous month, and 53% said they had missed school during the past year because of mental-health struggles, exhaustion or feeling overwhelmed. 

It shouldn’t be surprising to the readers of this newsletter, but connection appears closely intertwined with engagement, wellbeing and hope for the future. Rather than viewing belonging as simply a response to loneliness, the report suggests that schools can actively create environments where young people feel known, supported and connected—and how those experiences may positively shape their educational journey.

Read on!