The Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) is a statewide survey conducted every two years by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that gathers data from students in grades 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 on key topics such as substance use, violence, risky behaviors, and protective factors in their lives.  

This survey is highly relevant for prevention professionals because: 

• Data-Driven Prevention Planning: PAYS results identify trends in risk and protective factors affecting youth across Pennsylvania, helping prevention professionals set priorities and tailor strategies where they’re most needed.  
• Evidence-Based Decision Support: The data supports local, county, and state decision-making for implementing programs and policies that reduce harmful behaviors and strengthen youth well-being.  
• Community Action Guidance: Local summary reports allow schools and community coalitions to benchmark risks and measure the impact of prevention efforts over time.  
• Tools and Resources: The site links to tools for analyzing PAYS data and applying findings to program selection, intervention planning, and evaluation.  

Overall, PAYS helps bridge research, practice, and policy, giving prevention professionals the empirical foundation they need to allocate resources effectively and demonstrate impact within youth-serving systems.