FP-1-18-7

9/05

 

Abstract

The Class of 9/11:

Bringing a New Generation of Practical Patriots into Public Service

 

Prepared by:         Sue E. Williams

                              Extension Specialist/Professor

                              333 HES, Oklahoma State University

                              Stillwater, OK 74078-6111

                              (405) 744-6282

                              sue.williams@okstate.edu

 

Magee, Marc P. (2005). The class of 9/11:  Bringing a new generation of practical patriots into public service. Washington, DC: Partnership for Public Service. www.ourpublicservice.org/research.

 

IMPLICATIONS FOR COOPERATIVE EXTENSION. Youth are the future of our communities and our country. This study provides insights about the impact of 9/11 and current threats of terrorism on young peopleÕs willingness to engage in public service. These findings are useful as Extension professionals work with youth to address their interests, aspirations and worries.

 

 

Background

For college seniors in the Class of 2005, May marked the end of a four-year academic journey, one that began just days before the attacks of 9/11. While other graduating classes have come and gone in this post-9/11 era, the Class of 2005 is the first to have had its whole college experience shaped by the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent war on terror.

 

This study is based on a survey of over 800 graduating seniors conducted in the final month of their academic careers and in-depth one-on-one interviews with over 100 of those who participated in the survey. This report provides perspectives on how the war on terror has shaped their view of government, the role of patriotism in their career choices, the key factors driving interest in public service and what government agencies can do to better recruit talented young workers.

 

Findings

The study found:

-      More than three-quarters of the members of the Class of 2005 describe themselves as patriotic and nearly half said that the events of 9/11 made them more so. Examples of greater patriotism were such things as displaying the flag and greater feeling of love of country. However, only one in five students said it made them more interested in government service and even fewer said it made them consider joining the military.

 

-      The window of opportunity to recruit a new generation to public service is closing, in part because of polarization over the Iraq war. Six out of 10 seniors reject the idea that they should be asked to do more to help fight the war on terror. While the vast majority of those surveyed still expect a 9/11 type attack in the next five years, unemployment or the fear of going into debt far exceeds their concerns.

 

The upswing of patriotism that resulted from 9/11 did not give the government a free pass in recruiting talent. In fact, fewer than one in ten college seniors say that the opportunity to serve their country is their top reason for considering a government career.

 

The Class of 9/11:

Bringing a New Generation of Practical Patriots into Public Service continued

 

Conclusions

The attacks of 9/11 woke up the Class of 2005 and made them start paying attention to how the government impacts their lives. Yet, as this research study has demonstrated, it did not lead them to a fundamental rethinking of their career goals. These graduating seniors expect to live with a lifetime of war, but are also determined to not let terrorists dominate their lives.