By 2030, automation and AI will increase workplace demand for technological skills by 60%, creativity by 40%, social and emotional skills by 26%, and critical thinking by 17%. If we want our students to be prepared to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce, strong collaborations among stakeholders must be a priority. K-12, postsecondary, workforce, business, and industry representatives must align goals across systems to ensure that students have the skills needed to be successful.
The National Association of State Boards of Education’s study group on Career Readiness emphasized the importance of supporting educators with the instructional resources and professional development needed to transform high schools through innovative collaboration opportunities designed to prepare students to succeed in a rapidly changing economy. Some states are exploring creative opportunities to connect educators to business professionals to accelerate innovation.
In Virginia, we are excited to provide regional collaboration opportunities to align workforce, education, and economic development partners to create exciting new talent pipeline projects for our state. School districts that are interested in this opportunity should register to attend the Strategies Xchange Conference on September16-17 at the Hilton Main Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. We are excited to offer this opportunity to promote academic and workforce success. Preparing our students to succeed and excel in future career opportunities begins with mobilizing the right stakeholders who are committed to transforming the preparation of our students and creating breakthrough solutions.
Antoinette Jenkins
Leah Williams-Rumbley
Zuzana Steen
Beth Rhinehart 
Kristie Proctor
Deborah Jonas
Andy Gail 
