Americans are divided on many issues facing our great nation, but education is the one that bonds us. It impacts all of our futures and our global economy. A shared vision of increasing access and quality is the key to a forward-thinking and limitless America.
The 2016 Presidential Election has reminded us that the responsibility is all of ours – both political parties, government, legislators, policymakers, educators, business leaders, and community members – to ensure that all students of all zip codes and socioeconomic backgrounds have access to a quality education and the tools, resources, work-based learning, and mentors that they need to be college, career, and future ready.
In the United States, more than 65% of all future employment opportunities will require some postsecondary education be it a 4-year degree, master’s degree, technical or job-specific training. The future of our nation’s workforce, which ultimately determines how our economy grows, starts in the classroom.
How can we work together to ensure an all-encompassing and more prosperous America? For all young people to have equal opportunity for a successful future, the following priorities must be addressed:
- 100% Success Rate in High Schools: Our nation’s graduation rate is at an all-time high, but we can’t stop there. If we are going to lead the world, we must strive to reach 100% success in high school. We must do right by our children and break down barriers so that every child has the same opportunity. By making education accessible to all students and relevant to life after high school, we can eliminate remediation and more students will succeed early in college.
- Public-Private Partnerships Improve Overall Outcomes: Supporting existing and new legislation and policies that bring the business, economic, and workforce development communities together with the education community is the key to success. There is strength in numbers, and it is up to all of us to create a diverse talent pipeline for our workforce by providing students with access to work-based learning opportunities and paid internships. This will continue to create jobs with rising incomes.
- Diversity Matters: Diversifying our nation’s workforce is instrumental to our power in the global economy and can only be done when we provide all students with opportunities to succeed. The demand for STEM workers grows exponentially yet females and minorities remain underrepresented. Though women comprise 47 percent of the total United States labor force, they represent a mere 24 percent of the STEM workforce. By incentivizing and creating opportunities for females and minorities in STEM, we can fill the gap.
- STEM Skills are Essential: Investing in computer science, STEM education, and technology is essential to keep up with the ever-changing global landscape. Today’s students are the technology experts of tomorrow and by supplying the most relevant curriculum, applied-learning experiences, and networks, they will have everything they need to flex their innovative muscles and fuel the most in-demand, high-earning careers out there.
What happens in the classroom is vital, but it’s not enough. We passionately believe that work-based learning activities, including paid internships, should be commonplace, so that students can learn how to thrive in the business world and make connections between their education and potential career paths. By learning the skills early on that they will need to thrive on the job, high school students set themselves up for future rewards that will help them move up the ladder at a faster pace. In turn, employers build a dedicated, diverse, and skilled workforce that ensures their company’s success and sustainability for years to come.
We look forward to doing all that we can to secure better futures for the 15 million children in U.S. high school classrooms today and all the ones who follow.