"Signs of Change" issue (December)
A newsletter (for adults) about career readiness (for kids)
Dear readers,
It’s tempting to save my thanks for the end of the issue, but in this issue I want to lead with it. As we round out another year, I am reflecting on the profound progress made by our national network of educators, employers, governmental organizations, nonprofits, and workforce partners in giving more kids equitable access to career readiness programming. I want to thank every reader for the role you’ve played in advancing that cause. Our goal is not out of reach, and our work is not hypothetical. Together, we are incrementally improving the prospects of future generations of children.
One of the biggest signs that things are changing? Postsecondary pathways that used to be considered inferior to the traditional college experience are now seeing substantial gains, both in popularity and reputation. This includes career-specific (or vocational) education. Our recent survey of 2,230 parents of middle and high school students shows that in 2025, over a third (35%) of parents believe that continuing technical education (CTE) is best suited for high-achieving students. This is a sharp increase from the 13% who agreed with that statement in 2019. Today, 58% of parents cite college as their top preference for their student after high school — down from 74% in 2019. Nevertheless, there is still work to do to address the anxiety and uncertainty felt by many parents as they attempt to provide teens with the information they’ll need to make the right choice. (Read about the report here.)
That’s why we’re doubling down on partnerships with people who are making a tangible difference in the lives of kids and families. We recently expanded, for example, our strategic partnership with FREE TO DREAM ™. The organization, founded by Academy and Grammy Award-winning artist, actor, and activist Common, is dedicated to empowering opportunity and systems-involved youth. (Read about our partnership and new DREAMKEEPER™ Resource Kit.) And, we’re doubling down on our philanthropy to ensure that no children miss out on the opportunities they need to make informed decisions about the future. (Read about our recent grants.)
Another sign of progress? A growing array of employers and organizations are willing to engage with and assist young people during their career exploration journeys. Jacksonville area teens, for example, are being offered internships with area employers like Mayo Clinic, Comcast, and Community First Credit Union. (Read the story.) As exciting as these opportunities are for young people, they also serve a greater social purpose. We see this exemplified by youth internships in New Mexico that are helping students stay enrolled and focused on their goals. Through placements at organizations addressing homelessness, the students themselves gain practical skills that prepare them for future self-sufficiency. (Read the story.)
That appetite for stronger connection points between school and work exists at the state level, too. A recent report out of California, for example, recommends the creation of a state Career Apprenticeship Bridge (CAB) Program to give more young people access to paid work experience. (Read about the proposal.) Undeniably, hurdles to widespread youth career exploration still exist—they are described well in this overview of Montana’s push to expand rural youth apprenticeship programs. (Read the story.) But the overall trajectory is one of expansion and inclusion. And we’re doubling down on our investment to ensure that no children miss out on the opportunities they need to make informed decisions about the future. (Read about our recent investments.)
Finally, I’m pleased to share my first episode as co-host of the One Question Podcast — our collaboration with author Michael Horn. Michael and I were joined by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk! He inspired us with stories of his own personal setbacks and explained that failure is often the best teacher. (Watch the podcast.)
With gratitude, I wish you a happy and restful holiday season and look forward to reconnecting with you in early 2026.
All the best,
Julie
P.S. - Want to connect? You can reach me at press@asa.org.
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS & RESEARCH
New Mexico to Offer 3,000 Paid Internships to High School Students (KOB 4 News, December 9 2025)
Harnessing Technology To Prepare Students For Future Success (Forbes, November 6, 2025)
Palantir’s CEO Says ‘Every Single System is Parasitic.’ His Solution is to Hire Teenagers. (MSN.Com, November 12, 2025)
The Big Fail: Student Achievement Has Fallen Off a Cliff (New York Magazine, November 18, 2025)
AI Literacy Shouldn’t Wait for Middle School (K-12 Dive, November 12, 2025)
EVENTS
Finally, below is a list of upcoming events, and recaps of recent panel presentations and webinars, that elevate critical conversations in the youth career readiness space.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
SxSW EDU Conference (Austin, March 9-12, 2026 - Learn more)
ASU+GSV Summit (San Diego, April 12-15, 2026 - Learn more)
EVENT RECAPS
Spotlight on MA: Two Lessons Learned from One State’s Career Readiness Ecosystem (Read the recap)