EPIS is a university-based organization connecting research, policy, and real-world practice to improve outcomes for children and families across Pennsylvania.

What is PAYS?

PAYS Stands for the Pennsylvania Youth Survey. This survey is conducted anonymously every two years for 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 serves three primary needs:

1. Collecting Information about the patterns and changes in the use and abuse of harmful substances and behaviors. This information is for school administrators, state agency directors, legislators, and others.
2. Assess Risk Factors and Protective Factors related to these behaviors, and the protective factors that help guard against them.​​​
3. Data from the PAYS helps PA policymakers understand the needs of youth and families statewide and helps target funding where it will make the most difference. This is offered to school districts at no cost and administered anonymously. This information allows community leaders to direct prevention resources to areas where they are likely to have the greatest impact!

The PAYS is similar to the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System in some ways, but with important differences.

The PAYS Survey is supported and funded by: