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Hands-On, Career-Connected Learning: The Best of College and Career Readiness 

The fundamental purpose of high school is to prepare students for life beyond graduation—which ultimately means preparing them for a future career. Too often, however, policymakers and educational leaders treat career preparation as something relevant only for students who plan to enter the workforce immediately after high school. This is a flawed and limiting perspective. The reality is that hands-on career preparation is essential for all students, including those pursuing college first, because higher education is not an end goal in itself—it is a stepping stone to professional success.

By integrating hands-on, career-connected learning into the high school experience for all students, schools can equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences necessary to navigate their future with confidence. In order to accomplish this, schools and districts must take intentional, strategic steps to scale career-connected learning for all students, ensuring that every graduate—regardless of their chosen pathway—leaves high school better prepared for what comes next.