The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is conducted every other year, in the fall of odd-numbered years. Beginning with the 2013 administration, PAYS was offered at no charge to any school or district courtesy of funding provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

Since 1989, the state 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 data gathered in PAYS serve two primary needs. First, the results provide school administrators, state agency directors, legislators and others with critical information concerning the changes in patterns of the use and abuse of these harmful substances and behaviors. Second, the survey assesses risk factors that are related to these behaviors and the protective factors that help guard against them. This information allows community leaders to direct prevention resources to areas where they are likely to have the greatest impact.

For more information about the PAYS, visit the PAYS website.