America at 250: What Young People See Ahead

As America approaches its 250th anniversary next month, one question looms large: what does the future look like for the generation that will inherit it? Young Americans are living through rising costs, political polarization, and growing skepticism about institutions—but they haven’t checked out.

In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro talks with Benjamin Oh, Senior Data Director at the Alliance for Youth Action, about what young people actually think about democracy, opportunity, and civic engagement. Drawing on new research, Benjamin shares what’s driving young people’s hopes, frustrations, and priorities—and why many remain determined to help shape the future.

It’s a conversation about the next 250 years, and the generation already working to define them.

In This Episode:

• How young people see America at its 250th anniversary and the tensions shaping their outlook
• Whether the American Dream means the same thing today as it did for previous generations
• What research reveals about youth participation in voting, civic engagement, and political action
• How economic concerns influence the way young people think about politics and democracy
• What messages are most effective at motivating young people to participate in civic life
• What advocates, organizers, and institutions can learn from youth attitudes toward leadership and change
• Why authenticity, accountability, and bold ideas resonate with younger generations
• What gives us hope for the role young people will play in America's future