How teens and young adults define and discern their life’s purpose The word “vocation” appears often in conversations about young people’s futures, yet people use the term in different ways. “Vocation” can be described as a calling from a higher power or as a broader sense of meaning and purpose
Explore data on Catholic identity, participation in the Church, disaffiliation, and young Catholic’s thoughts on gender roles Catholic young people in the US often appear in competing narratives. Some observers point to declining affiliation and disengagement, while others describe signs of resurgent interest and vitality. Underlying many of these stories
Three factors consistently emerge as anchors for why some young people remain connected to religious communities. In 2025, Springtide Research Institute interviewed and surveyed young people, ages 13 to 25, from across the US to learn why some young people remain involved in religious or spiritual organizations. Across our study,
Volunteering is a common practice among teens and young adults. In fact, two-thirds (66%) of respondents in Springtide Research Institute’s 2025 Survey of Young People and Organization Involvement say they volunteered at least once in the past year. Religious young people tend to volunteer more frequently than their non-religious counterparts
Data about belief, identity, community, and purpose define the state of religion and young people today. In 2025, Springtide Research Institute surveyed 2,977 young people, ages 13–25, from across the United States to learn about four key dimensions of their spiritual and religious lives: belief, identity, practice, and community. Their
Mae 17, in Minnesota and Nicole, 23, in Washington D.C. share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Mae explains how participating in Model United Nations has grown her self-confidence and sense of purpose, and Nicole describes how the Unity Walk, offered by
Hear Russell 16, in Maryland and Shruthakeerthi, 18, in California share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Russell describes how writing and editing his high school newspaper has provided a helpful outlet for expression as well as community building, and Shruthakeerthi explains
Hear Roshini, 16, in North Carolina and Tara, 24, in New Jersey share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Roshini describes how she’s grown in leadership, responsibility, and community building through her lifelong involvement in Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh, and Tara explains how
Hear Esra, 17, in Vermont and Rachel, 20, in Tennessee share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Esra explains how volunteering and then working in an elder daycare program has allowed her to build intergenerational connections, and Rachel describes how her own
Hear Astrid, 22, in Tennessee and Kieran, 15, in California share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Astrid describes how four years of involvement in campus ministries at Christian Brothers University really shaped her, and Kieran explains how meaningful peer relationships have