The 2010 Census is a historic event. It captures a snapshot of our nation's population while providing insight that will influence our future- as individuals, a community, and a country. For students, participating in the 2010 Census gives us a voice and the power to define the decade.

Four Reasons the Census is Good for You:

1) Good for financial aid: Census data affects grant and loan program funding and distribution.

2) Good for our communities: Census data informs where the federal government distributes more than $400 billion annually to state, local, and tribal governments. Funding is used to build new schools, roads, hospitals, and more.

3) Good for jobs: The census helps employers understand where the next generation of workers is coming from, which will influence recruitment efforts.

4) Good for equal opportunity: Census figures help establish fair-market rents and enforce fair lending practices.

It's Easy!

The 2010 Census is the shortest form in history. It takes approximately 10 minutes to complete.

It's Important!

Low-income people, people of color, children, immigrants, people with disabilities, and people living in urban areas are most likely to be under-counted, and thus officially under-represented in government

People in under-counted communities will be denied representation and resources for the next 10 years, directly affecting access to healthcare, education, employment and job training services, veterans' services, economic development, government representation, and more. All of which means they have less influence than they deserve over decisions affecting their lives, families, and neighborhoods. 

It's Confidential!

By law, the Census Bureau cannot share respondents' answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. All Census employees take an oath of nondisclosure and are sworn to protect confidentiality.

Want to know more about what's at stake for the 2010 Census? 

• Click here to download USSA's studentsCOUNT! toolkit
  

• Click here to download USSA's studentsCOUNT! factsheet

USSA VP Lindsay McCluskey and Communications Director Jake Stillwell with U.S. Census Director Robert Groves at a Capitol Hill press conference on Census outreach to traditionally undercounted communities