Research Insights

City of Hobbies Research Insights

On Thursday, Oct 21st, City of Hobbies hosted a Community Share-out to spotlight the initiatives early research, the voices of young people helping shape its direction, and the community-wide effort to make hobbies more accessible to all Charlotteans.

Here’s what Charlotte’s young people are telling us:

• 18,450 students surveyed: UNC Charlotte Urban Institute and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools partnered on a major survey of students in grades 5–12 about their hobbies, interests, and barriers to participation.

• Young people want more opportunities: 46% want to try cooking or baking, 43% want to play video games, and 40% want to go to the gym but haven’t been able to.

• Access is a challenge: 38% say schoolwork leaves them without enough time for hobbies, 32% cite cost, and 24% say activities are too far away.

• Joy matters most: 65% say a hobby is important because it makes them feel good. Young people also value opportunities to learn new skills, make friends, and feel successful.

• Young people themselves are helping shape the work. 30 high school students, selected from more than 500 applicants, were trained as youth researchers. They interviewed hobbyists, peers, and decision-makers and studied public spaces to understand what helps, or prevents, young people from pursuing their interests.

Now, the initiative is inviting the broader community to get involved in helping Charlotte become a city where everyone has the opportunity to find a hobby that brings them joy and purpose, and to share the lessons so others in the community can benefit too.