Preparing Future-Ready Students

Employment in jobs requiring stronger analytical or social skills has been increasing at 4X the rate of employment in jobs requiring stronger physical skills. What can we do to ensure that our students are future-ready to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce? Two of the most important solutions are provided below:

High School Redesign

Many high schools still operate in the same way they did decades ago. This puts students at a disadvantage because the high-demand jobs of the future will require students’ to use problem-solving skills, creativity, and innovation. According to results from a Gallup Student Poll, students’ drop in engagement each year could be attributed to lack of project-based learning and career pathways.

This is why it is extremely important for high schools to transform into innovation hubs to ignite students’ career interests and prepare them for long-term success. Redesigned high schools give students the opportunity to master skills through project-based learning opportunities in partnership with local businesses or organizations. Students take ownership for what they learn because learning is individualized to support each student’s needs. These innovative high schools offer students the opportunity to explore their career interests through real-world internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing opportunities. Virginia has supported and encouraged high school redesign by offering high school innovation planning grants to incentivize high school transformation. These grants have had a tremendous impact on students’ success and preparation for community workforce needs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Education and Business Partnerships

When schools and businesses can partner together to support students’ academic and career success, students are better equipped with the relevant knowledge and skills needed to excel in the 21st century economy. Our organization, Virginia Ed Strategies, serves as an intermediary connection for education and industry collaborations. Due to the importance that we have placed on developing these meaningful partnerships, we are hosting a statewide conference dedicated to this important topic. The Strategies Xchange will provide an opportunity for education and business leaders to learn examples of innovative partnerships to bolster the talent pipeline, strategies to prepare students for specific regional workforce needs, and innovative examples of high school transformation. We hope that this event will provide the opportunity for new and innovative partnerships in our state to support students’ success.

By focusing on student-centered high schools and education and business partnerships, our schools will begin moving in the right direction to create future-ready students who are prepared to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.