New White Paper Released: Career Readiness For All

A few years ago, SME and six other industry-leading organizations formed an alliance to address some of America’s most critical national challenges in education and job readiness, i.e., the widening skills gap, soaring college debt, high college dropout rates and the shortage of career counselors. This convening resulted in the creation of the Coalition for Career Development. Today, 40 organizations ― including SME, the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council, National Governors Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, IBM, Pace Industries, the Council of Chief State School Officers, education associations and industry certification bodies ― work collectively to make career readiness a priority of American education.

After years of discussions, research and visioning, the CCD has produced a new white paper called “Career Readiness for All” that emphasizes the importance of all forms of work. Last week, the CCD briefed members of Congress, the media, industry, workforce agencies and other interested stakeholders on Capitol Hill in Washington about the white paper, which addresses the need to place greater emphasis on career readiness and job development for all learners in the U.S.

SME is proud to be among the seven founding partners that, from the beginning, believed in the importance and criticality of addressing career readiness for the nation’s youth.   

CLICK HERE to download the white paper.