By Brittany R. Ballenstedt
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.
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