Scouting America commissioned The Harris Poll to study the lasting effect of Scouting. Conducted for three months beginning Oct. 10, 2025, the online survey of 3,178 adults asked for feedback on well-being, civic engagement, leadership and character development. Part 2 in this three-part series looks at leadership and civic engagement. Results of the survey were released at the Scouting America National Annual Meeting last month.
Ask most Scouting leaders why they volunteer to support the movement, and they’ll tell you it’s rewarding to build the next generation of community leaders.
A recent study indicates this mission is being accomplished, and Eagle Scouts are leading the way. Commissioned by Scouting America and conducted by The Harris Poll, the study included a survey of 3,178 adults and compared Eagle Scouts, non-Eagle Scouts and people who never participated in Scouting.
Eagle Scouts positively impact their communities and lead civic projects at higher rates than non-Scouts, according to the results. About 91% of Eagle Scouts report having engaged in at least one leadership behavior such as attending a town hall, speaking up for a cause, holding a leadership role or starting a community initiative. That compares to 84% of non-Eagle Scouts and just 58% of people who never participated in Scouting.
“For over a century, Eagle Scouts have helped shape the very fabric of our nation, leading with integrity in moments that matter most” says Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. “Today, that legacy is as important as ever. As young people face new challenges, the values instilled on the path to Eagle — duty to others, resilience, and moral courage — prepare them to lead our communities forward. The future of America is brighter because of Eagle Scouts.”
The difference between Eagle Scouts and non-Eagle Scouts is even larger when you look at formal leadership positions. Eagle Scouts who have held leadership roles at work, in their community or in the military stood at 80%. But for non-Eagle Scouts, that number drops to 71%. For non-Scouts, it falls to 38%.
Eagle Scouts are also more likely to believe they make a difference. And 95% agree that people like them have a positive impact on their communities — with 57% strongly agreeing. Among non-Scouts, 88% agree and just 35% strongly agree. The analysis showed that Eagle Scouts’ higher civic confidence is tied to their Scouting experience, not just to advantages they may have had growing up.
Environmental stewardship is part of the civic picture too. Eagle Scouts are more likely to pick up trash from the ground (84% versus 64% of non-Scouts) and limit their use of single-use plastics (54% versus 37%).
“Caring for the community is more than volunteering for me,” said one Eagle Scout quoted in the study. “It’s also speaking up for what is right and valuing everyone who makes up our community.”
Read Part 1 of this series on well-being.
Photo: Garth Dowling.