"States Leading the Way" issue (March)
A newsletter (for adults) about career readiness (for kids)
Dear Readers,
I often share with you the stories of specific schools, communities, and organizations that are doing a fantastic job bridging the gap between education and the workforce. This month, I’m excited to zoom out a little and share that ASA has teamed up with national nonprofit Bellwether to launch a new report. In it, we highlight 10 states that have significantly progressed work-based learning initiatives in recent years. These states are following unique approaches to creating and fortifying work-based learning programs and policies, but they adhere to a few common principles. At the core of each state’s success? A belief in an expanded definition of work-based learning; one that focuses as much on accountability and reporting as it does on the ins and outs of programs. (Read the report.)
Work-based learning offers us a chance to build real equity into the education and employment landscapes by connecting the two. Yet, a recent story of two friends demonstrates that when programs are too sporadic or small in scale, some kids thrive while others needlessly miss out. (Read the story.) I’m therefore encouraged to see bi-partisan examples from states that are expanding access to pathways like apprenticeship and technical education, such as the recent legislation introduced in New Mexico and Kansas. (Read the story.) I’m excited to see tech companies like Transfr Trek making strides towards accessible and engaging digital career exploration and support for many more kids. (Read their announcement.) And, I’m moved to see more schools and organizations rethinking the nature, value, and purpose of credentials — a concept explored by my colleague Judy Goldstein in her recent article. (Read the article.) In light of so much activity that’s transforming the status quo, I truly believe that this is an exciting time to work in and around education.
In closing, I invite you to check out what’s been happening on the One Question Podcast series — my collaboration with author Michael Horn. Recently, Michael and I were joined by Roy Spence, the founder of the Purpose Institute and the Make It Movement. Roy explains why ‘What do you want to be?’ is simply the wrong question to ask of kids. (Watch our interview.) In another episode, we were joined by Aaron Rasmussen, the founder of MasterClass, and reminded to help kids look for the common themes that connect their diverse interests. (Watch our interview.) And most recently, we spoke with actor John Pankow of the hit TV series Mad About You. John talked about harnessing the power of gratitude and explained how this mindset has helped him in his career journey. (Watch our interview.)
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
$1.5 Million in Cash Prizes for 25 High School Skilled Trades Teachers (Harbor Freight, March 1, 2025)
The Enrollment Cliff: How Fewer Applicants Are Reshaping Higher Education (Forbes, February 9, 2025)
Schools Must Connect with the Working World to Inspire Students’ Careers (Forbes, February 11, 2025)
Computer Science for All: This District Leader Is Making It a Reality (Education Week, February 5, 2025)
Skipping Chapters: How Decreasing Reading Stamina Impacts College Readiness (Central Times, January 28, 2025)
Why Rural America Should Lead the CTE Charge to Reimagine Schools (The Association of Illinois Rural and Small Schools Newsroom, February 1, 2025)
Boys Think School Is a Waste of Time. Career Pathways Prove Them Wrong. (Education Week, January 27, 2025)
Large Scholarship, Health Care Internship Offer ‘Great Opportunity’ for Kaua’i Students (KAUA’I NOW, February 8, 2025)
The K-12 Outlook for 2025: Shifting Policy, Tech Landscapes Bring New Challenges (K-12 Dive, January 31, 2025)
CTE Spotlight: Work-based Learning Program (Shelby County Post, February 6, 2025)
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
ASU+GSV Summit (San Diego, April 6-9, 2025 - Learn more)
Horizons Summit (New Orleans, June 10-11, 2025 - Learn more)
EVENT RECAPS
Moving Teens from “Meh” to Motivated in School and Life (Read the recap)
“Live in the Along”: Celebrating What School Could Look Like (Read the recap)
