"Power of Dreams" issue (April)

A newsletter (for adults) about career readiness (for kids).

Dear Readers,

Today, the U.S. is home to five million opportunity youth—those neither in school nor the workforce—and around 700,000 young people who are currently or formerly incarcerated. Career readiness initiatives that engage and empower kids from a young age can’t be optional any more; they’re part of a national imperative. Research shows that students who drop out of high school or those at risk of dropping out face stark life outcomes, including higher rates of poverty, justice system involvement, dependency on social welfare programs, and beyond. (See the research.) Yet, there’s so much hope on the horizon.

Today’s kids have a powerful array of diverse career exploration and postsecondary pathways to choose from. Work-study programs—increasingly common in schools—promise to bring greater relevance to classroom education, which is especially important for kids who are at risk of dropping out. We also know that durable skills-building programs, like the initiatives happening through a partnership between America Succeeds and Edmentum, mean more young people can discover and follow their dreams. (Read the story.) Equally exciting: the skilled trades—like welding and machine tooling— are shedding dated and negative stereotypes and becoming increasingly attractive to young people as technology transforms these professions and as postsecondary pathways help connect more people to the trades. (Read the story.)

At ASA, we’re still hard at work building momentum around career readiness initiatives. This month we announced a partnership with nonprofit FREE TO DREAM, founded by Grammy Award-winning artist and activist Common, to boost access to invaluable skills-building experiences. (Read the press release.) We’ve also announced plans to invest $25 million over the next five years in mission-aligned companies that support career readiness. (Learn more.) And, our EvolveMe platform now includes activities to help young people with vitally important skills like resume-writing, job interviewing, financial literacy, professional coding, and more. (Learn more.)

Despite alarming statistics about opportunity youth in the U.S., we’re not deterred from our work. If anything, we’re more determined than ever. With the support and partnership of so many incredible organizations, entrepreneurs, and forward-thinking school districts, we know that we can build a brighter future for Gen-Z youth, and for kids who aren’t even in school yet. It’s my fervent belief that every single kid, no matter their location or circumstances, deserves the power of a dream.

Sincerely,

Jean

P.S. - If you’d like to reach me directly, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at press@asa.org

ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS & RESEARCH

ASU+GSV 2024: Experts Call for Middle School Career Exploration (Government Technology, April 18, 2024)

Utah Juvenile Justice System Program Provides Job Skills (KSL News Radio, April 1, 2024)

New Haven Gets $1M Grant to Help Students Prepare for Jobs (WTNH, April 13, 2024)

Colorado Needs to Strengthen College and Career Connections for Students, Report Says (Chalkbeat Colorado, April 2, 2024)

K-12 Work-Based Learning Opportunities: A 50-State Scan of 2023 Legislative Action (American Progress, April 1, 2024)

EVENTS

Finally, below is a list of upcoming events and recaps of recent panel presentations and podcasts that elevate critical conversations in the youth career readiness space.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

-A Path Forward: Innovative Solutions to Build a Modern Workforce for Gen-Z (Webinar, April 30 @ 1PM ET - Register)
-2024 Summer Huddle in Kansas City - CAPS Network (Kansas City, June 24-26 - Learn more)
-Uncharted Learning National Summit (Chicago, July 15-17 - Learn more)
-Horizons Summit (Washington, D.C., July 22-23 - Learn more)
-Big Bang Conference 2024 (Memphis, July 22-25 - Learn more)

RECAPS

-Investing in the Next Generation of the Workforce (Read the recap)
-The Credentialing Conversation: Four Sound Bites (Read the recap)

Sincerely,

Jean

P.S. - If you’d like to reach me directly, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at press@asa.org