Youth survey: Davie County students want more teen activities, mental-health support and career exposure

Jane Simpson of the Davie County Foundation introduced results of "Engaged Davie," a youth-led survey presented by high school students Ava Brown and Carden Strad. "We love our community so much and we want to do what we can to make it better," Ava said as she described the project and outreach methods.

The survey collected 335 responses from residents aged roughly 11–18 and was administered at Davie County High School and through middle-school contacts. Presenters said the sample included about 57.3% high-school respondents, with age groups roughly 11–13 (36%), 14–15 (36%) and 16–18 (27.8%). Students identified Davie County's strengths as a close-knit community, school quality and youth programs. Top concerns included bullying, vaping and substance use, vandalism, poverty and limited affordable teen activities.

When asked what specific changes they'd like, respondents commonly asked for more local teen events, a community recreation center, cleaner public spaces, better mental-health supports and expanded career-development opportunities. On how they would spend grant funds, many said they would target schools (sports/extracurriculars), tutoring, financial literacy and community cleanups.

Presenters said the survey results will help the Surfboard (the foundation's youth philanthropy group) guide grant distribution to projects with the greatest youth impact. Commissioners thanked the students for the work and applauded the project's community engagement. The board took no formal action beyond receiving the presentation.