In recent months, there have been reports of Artificial Intelligence (AI) making advances in competencies related to occupational fields millions of people depend on for jobs, including graphic design, writing, content creation, and even law and medicine. This has raised questions about the impact AI could have on the future employability of millions.

In response to this, Junior Achievement USA conducted a survey of teens that shows 66 percent are concerned that they will not be able to find a good job as adults due to AI, with 32 percent being "Very" or "Extremely" concerned. Despite this, most teens (71%) think recent technological innovations are "a good thing," and virtually all (92%) would be interested in courses in school that promote skills related to AI. The survey of 1,005 teens between 13 and 17 was conducted by Big Village between February 28 - March 5, 2023.

"We at Junior Achievement believe this is a watershed moment in technology, and it's going to impact the future of work," said Katherine Cecala, president, Junior Achievement of Arizona. "Every 10 to 15 years, we have a technological breakthrough that negatively impacts some jobs while creating new industries and career fields. We saw this with personal computers in the early 80s, the Internet in the mid-90s, smart devices and social media about 15 years ago, and now AI. That's why Junior Achievement is reaching out to those in our community with experience in AI to help deliver work and career readiness learning experiences to young people locally."

JA Inspire is a virtual, interactive career fair that connects tens of thousands of Arizona middle and high school students with local employers.

“When it comes to career exploration, the data shows the earlier students dive into the world of work, the better,” said Cecala.
JA Inspire also serves as a point of re-engagement for students. When most Arizona educators are concerned about the lack of engagement in learning today, JA Inspire is a catalyst to connect their classroom experience to the real world.

Additional survey findings include:
- 89% of survey respondents noted they were “Interested” STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics in school, with 57% being “Very” or “Extremely Interested.”
- Despite their concerns about the impact of AI on future employment, 79% of teens believe they will find a good paying and rewarding job as adults.
A full summary of the results can be found at https://jausa.ja.org/news/critical-issues.
Methodology
This Youth CARAVAN survey was conducted by Big Village among a sample of 1,005 13-17-year-olds. This survey was live on February 28 - March 5, 2023.

Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have volunteered to participate in online surveys and polls. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to multiple sources of error, including, but not limited to sampling error, coverage error, error associated with nonresponse, error associated with question wording and response options, and post-survey weighting and adjustments. It is nationally representative with set quotas based on census data. The 1,005 completes are all who qualified and completed based on the demographic quota requirements. The MoE is +/- 3.1%.

About Junior Achievement of Arizona
Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that equips Arizona students to succeed in work and life by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Since 1957, JA has taught kids, kindergarten through high school, about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The organization’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs are delivered by more than 8,000 corporate and community volunteers. Despite educational obstacles during the pandemic, JA reached approximately 100,000 students in the 2021-2022 school year. Follow @JAArizona on social media or visit jaaz.org/resources for more free online educational tools.