PAYS logo image. Text reads, Pennsylvania Youth Survey, It PAYS to ask. It PAYS to know.

What is PAYS?

  • PAYS is the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. Since 1989, the Commonwealth has conducted a survey of school students in the 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades to learn about their behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, and violence.
  • The PAYS survey is offered at no cost to all public, private, and charter schools throughout the Commonwealth every two years.

Why is it important?

  • PAYS data provides critical information concerning changes in patterns of use and behaviors, and also the survey assesses risk factors that are related and how we can protect our youth to help guard against them.
  • It is also important to note that the PAYS survey is anonymously administered and is scientifically valid and reliable. The PAYS survey assesses strengths and protective factors, not just problems.

     

Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Upcoming PAYS Opportunities

 

Logo for School District PAYS Advisory Panel
  • Do you work within a school with youth?
  • Do you have time to provide input in a virtual way approximately once a month?
  • Do you want to be the first to know information about the PAYS Survey?

This is an open application for an expert panel that will provide input to PAYSAG (PAYS Advisory Group) and state-level PAYS leadership on a variety of PAYS topics. We know your time is limited although you are with our youth everyday and we NEED and value your input. We will forward information starting May 1st with additional details.

Apply here for the PAYS Advisory Panel!

Have a question? Please email: Alise Barr