“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin

Expanding skills training and access to learning opportunities will play a critical role in bridging the talent gap. High school and college curricula have lagged behind industry demands. Without a clear vision for their professional future, many high school students -- especially black and Latino boys -- are tempted to drop out. For those who do graduate from high school, the cost of college and their lack of awareness of the credentials needed to gain acceptance at a reputable college or university means many don’t pursue post-secondary education. For those who do go on to college, for a variety of reasons, many drop out without achieving their degree. As a result, a diverse range of barriers prevent today’s youth from graduating with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the jobs of the future.

The film Hidden Figures tells the story of three young NASA mathematicians who overcame remarkable obstacles – Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson and Dorothy Vaughan. Their contributions not only helped the U.S. catch up to its Russian rivals, but surpass them.

Why This Matters

By 2018, the United States will have eight million high-skill or technical job vacancies. Without dramatic changes in how students are empowered to prepare themselves for the 21st century economy, most high school and college graduates won’t have the skills they need to find gainful employment(1). While the problem is especially acute among underserved communities of color, alarming skill deficits persist across almost all demographics. American students recently finished 27th in math and 20th in science in a ranking of 34 countries(2).

In addition to these hard skills, too many young people lack important soft skills — oral and written communications, professionalism and work ethic and critical thinking and problem-solving. Systematically addressing how American students are prepared for the work of the future will both transform their lives and the U.S. economy. A range of organizations have the power to help augment this learning environment, to ensure that high school students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the 21st century economy.

Nazareth College

Our Approach

Every year, over three million youth drop out of school and join 6.7 million youth (ages 16- 24) who aren’t enrolled in school(8). Proactive dropout recovery and prevention can dramatically improve academic advancement. More programs are needed to identify students who have recently left higher education and help them re-enroll. At the same time, colleges and universities, can increase access to higher education and career training. Reducing financial barriers through expanded employer tuition tax credit programs, Pell Grants and other financial aid can help make education more affordable(4). Many higher education institutions are also experimenting with adjusted time to degree options, technical instruction with blended academic credit and various models for work-based learning(4).

A range of organizations can also collaborate to fill the skills gap. While high school teachers can play a greater role preparing students with the soft skills they need to succeed in any job, a greater focus on STEM education in college will help ensure students are prepared for digital economy jobs(6). Outside the classroom, students can also develop skills through extracurricular programs. A variety of organizations provide pre-employment training curriculums that are designed to help youth job seekers master soft skills. 100Kin10 and other initiatives are training teachers nationwide to increase the quality of STEM instruction. Schools are also seeking to expand access to STEM knowledge through new learning models. Given the pay gap between teaching and other professions (e.g. law, finance, and medicine), empowering qualified professionals to teach can present a challenge(7). Leveraging innovative e-learning solutions and education technology can also help improve access to STEM education.

For some students, the demands of a job or family responsibilities make it impossible to attend school during the traditional schedule. We support programs that allow student-centered flexibility to increase participation through competency and/or mastery-based credit awards, flexible schedules, dual enrollment programs, night and weekend programs for young adults, and increased worked-based learning time(5). Such educational opportunities need not exist within the context of a four-year degree. Workforce and vocational training programs can also provide access to training that provides students with critical skills needed to gain employment. The digital economy has also transformed 21st century learning. An expanded suite of mobile and web-based tools can empower students to learn wherever they are.

RESOURCES

1. Teach for America. “Leading With Our 'Fingerprint' And Collaboration In STEM Education

2. The Junior League of Boston. “STEM – Engineering a Brighter Tomorrow.”

3. Georgetown Public Policy Institute. “Recovery: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2020”

4. Education Workforce Policy. “The New American Workforce: Challenges and Opportunities for Higher Education.”

5. Opportunity Nation. “Call to Action: Train”

6. Association for Middle Level Education. “Soft Skills: Preparing Kids for Life After School”

7. Fox News. “America needs to support STEM education. Here are three ways business can make it happen.”

8. World Education. “Adult Ed Facts.”

PHOTO CREDIT
Ticket for Change