The American Association of University Women (AAUW) sponsored a national survey research project that polled school aged children to study the interaction of self-esteem and education and career aspirations in adolescent girls and boys in today's society. Three thousand children between grades 4 and 10, in 12 locations nationwide, were surveyed. The survey examined the differences in attitudes between girls' and boys' perceptions of themselves and their futures, measured the changes in attitudes as adolescents grow older, and identified critical processes at work in forming adolescents' attitudes of self-esteem and identity. In addition, the survey looked at the development of adolescents' aspirations--their career choices and expectations, their perceptions of gender roles, and the part that educational setting plays. Finally, the survey examined the relationship of mathematics and science skills to self-esteem and career goals of boys and girls. Among the key findings of the survey was that as girls and boys grow older, both experience a significant loss of self-esteem in a variety of areas; however, the loss is most dramatic and has the most long-lasting effect for girls. A number of graphs depicting the findings of the survey are included. (DB)