The American Dream isn’t Dead
But it isn’t what it used to be.
We’ve been told that if we work hard and do right by each other, we’ll have a shot at the good life — a home, a family, a secure future. But for many younger Americans, that promise feels increasingly out of reach. Life is more expensive, the path forward is less clear, and too often, no one is speaking to us in a way that feels real.
The American Dream Institute believes saving the Dream starts with how we talk about it. We listen to what people actually think and feel, shape the message, elevate authentic voices, and put it into action through content, speech, and strategy.
We help the left talk the talk and walk the walk — not with slogans, but with a real connection to the people we need to reach.
The Dream Still Means Something. But Not To Everyone
Young Americans across party lines link the Dream to homeownership, family, and financial stability. But there’s a growing sense that those milestones are getting harder and harder to reach.
No money to buy a house, no money to pay for college, no money to buy food, no money to pay off the debts, no money to stay in the country, no money to get [out of] here."
— 18 year old, Republican woman, Florida
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HOW VOTERS UNDER 45 DEFINE THE AMERICAN DREAM:
Young Americans Feel Stuck
Especially progressives, young Americans doubt they’ll reach key milestones like owning a home, starting a business, or retiring comfortably.
% OF YOUNG ADULTS WHO EXPECT IT WILL BE HARDER TO:
Affordability Clouds Everything for Young Americans
Housing costs, college debt, and everyday expenses make financial stability feel out of reach — leaving many feeling set up to fail.
TOP RESPONSES THAT DEFINE "YOUNG PEOPLE'S EXPERIENCE IN AMERICA TODAY"
Affordability Crisis: 26%
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Affordability Crisis: 26%
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Affordability Crisis: 26% · Affordability Crisis: 26% ·
Future Hardships: 26%
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Future Hardships : 26%
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Future Hardships: 26% · Future Hardships : 26% ·
Difficulty Advancing: 12%
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Difficulty Advancing: 12%
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Difficulty Advancing: 12% · Difficulty Advancing: 12% ·
Young Americans Are Split on the Nation's Future
Most young people are hopeful about their own futures, but opinions diverge sharply on America’s future: young conservatives are optimistic, young progressives pessimistic.
CONFIDENCE BY PARTY
82%
36%
Division Exists But So Do Areas of Agreement
Despite deep divisions, young Americans share common ground on issues of economic fairness and government responsibility.
They’re not anti-business or anti-wealth – they want a chance to succeed, for businesses to grow, and for the wealthy to pay their fair share. Younger generations want a system that rewards ambition and holds power accountable.
This shared belief in equitable systems offers a powerful foundation for rebuilding trust and defining a more inclusive future.
agreement with “Billionaires and large corporations should pay more in taxes" across political affiliations
agreement with “Government should focus on helping people most in need" across political affiliations
Making the Dream Real
At ADI, we’re not waiting for someone else to figure it out. We’re engaging directly with younger Americans — with clearer messages, smarter platforms, and voices that resonate.
We’re translating frustration into direction. Testing what works. Creating what’s missing. And helping progressive leaders, creators, and campaigns show up differently — with a message that meets the moment.
This generation still believes in the Dream. Our job is to help them believe someone’s fighting for it, too.