Open More Doors for America’s Youth

When young people finish high school and college prepared for their next step, they have more opportunity for success.

The new economy and new skill demands directly affect how companies do business, which in turn affects the opportunities available to employees. Many blue-collar jobs now require the advanced skills in mathematics, science, reasoning, problem-solving and communications that were once reserved for the "college bound students." These skills are typically gained during high school in honors English classes and math courses such as algebra II and trigonometry. For example, Achieve's research has found that:

• Electricians should take Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Physics in high school
• Sheet metal workers should take Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and technical reading in high school, and complete up to five years of on-the-job training; and
• Draftsmen should take Geometry and Trigonometry in high school, and additional math and computer-design training to keep up with technological progress within the industry.

Unfortunately, the American public education system is not making the grade. Too many students are failing to earn high school or college degrees; about 30 percent of teenagers fail to finish high school, and less than half of students who enroll in college earn their degree.

Even those who do graduate are often unprepared for the demands of the new global economy, according to employer surveys.

By partnering with policymakers and educators to raise graduation standards for all students and motivate students to achieve excellence in technical fields, businesses will help ensure that more young people have the skills and knowledge that will provide them more professional opportunities and allow them to compete in the global economy.