Millennials express strong support for public service academy

A new poll conducted by SocialSphere Strategies in Cambridge, Mass., found that 57 percent of young Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 "likely" would consider applying to a public service academy, with 19 percent saying they would "very likely" do so. Among respondents, men, minorities and Southerners were most interested in attending such a school.

The survey also indicated tremendous support for the creation of a public service institution. After receiving information and arguments in support of the academy, 88 percent of millennials said they favored the idea. Even after providing respondents with criticisms of the academy proposal, 77 percent still expressed support for its creation.

"One of the things we wanted to do was make sure that the students understood the idea and the arguments against it," said Chris Myers Asch, one of the architects of the academy proposal. "One of the key findings was that 88 percent said they liked the idea. But that's like saying 88 percent like apple pie. Do they still like apple pie after they hear all the calories involved? You have to explain the negatives." Many public policy observers are concerned with the academy's estimated price tag of $205 million per year. Others have argued that offering scholarships to students in a format much like the military's Reserve Officers' Training Corps would be a more cost-effective solution to the challenges of attracting top talent in government.

The survey also found that political affiliation did not affect young people's perception of the idea, with 58 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of Republicans saying they would consider applying to such an academy.

Millennials are active members of their communities, are beginning to vote in significant numbers and believe strongly in the importance of public service, the poll concluded. Millennials also said they would be more likely to vote for someone who supported public service programs for young people, and would be more likely to participate in public service if it were a greater priority in government.

The poll, conducted in early April, included Internet-based interviews with 800 members of the millennial generation. The sample consisted of high school students likely to attend four-year colleges, those currently enrolled in four-year colleges and older millennials who have earned a four-year degree.

Legislation to create a public service academy was introduced in March 2007 by Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.; and Arlen Specter, R-Pa.; and Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va.; and Chris Shays, R-Conn. The proposal would establish a 5,000-person undergraduate academy, on par with the nation's military academies, to lend prestige to public institutions and highlight the importance of public service. The academy would offer a free undergraduate education in exchange for five years of civilian public service after graduation.

Asch said on Tuesday that the results of the survey overturned a lot of criticisms and reflected the symbolic power of the academy idea. "This is something that really strikes a chord with young people, not simply because of the idea itself, but also because of what it says about who we are as a people and as a country," Asch said. "It speaks to the kind of country that America is."