PA Youth Survey (PAYS)

Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) Overview

The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is a survey of school students in the 6th, 8th, 10th and 12th grades to learn about their behavior, attitudes and knowledge concerning mental health, alcohol, tobacco, other drugs, violence and other important areas.  PAYS is sponsored and conducted every two years by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

The results collected by PAYS provide school and state leaders with important information concerning the changes in patterns of the use and abuse of harmful substances and behaviors.  The survey also assesses the risk and protective factors related to these behaviors and allows community leaders to target prevention resources to areas where they will have the greatest impact.

The above information is adapted from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.  To learn more about PAYS please visit their website.  https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Pages/Pennsylvania-Youth-Survey-(PAYS).aspx

Wyomissing area School District participated in the PAYS survey in 2019, 2021 and 2023.  The 2019 results were used to help WASD strengthen supports in place for our students and families in our schools, in many instances through collaborative work with local agencies.  The 2021 results were used as the initial data our Mental Health Task Force used to begin to develop the Mental Health Task Force Action Plan.   

Please use the links below to access the survey results and other information.