1. Many students end up over-educated and underemployed. We need to end our addiction to the university degree. The “university for all” mentality needs to shift and be expanded to “a post-high school credential for all.”

2. One size doesn’t fit all. Our historical lack of career preparation, and focus on averages in public education, have caused the misalignment between degrees and skills.

3. Understanding longitudinal, local data beginning in the 9th grade through employment is the key to advancing our dialog forward.

4. Many well-intended initiatives of the past (Advanced Placement, A-G, Pell Grants, etc.) focus on college prep to the detriment of true student career and life success.

5. Labor market realities (such as the 1:2:7 ratio and actual wage ranges) are not well understood. We must help learners be better consumers of education to align their personality, passions, profession, and purpose.

6. The definition of a “good job” has changed, but our advice hasn’t. We need to change the very questions we ask of ourselves and of our students, to focus on career and life impact and not just planning towards commencement.

7. The goal of education, and the metrics we use to assess/fund learning, need to be re-examined. The Carnegie unit, enrollment, persistence, and completion are antiquated metrics that no longer serve our students or society.

8. We must shift our emphasis from traditional academic education to a more holistic approach that incorporates career exploration, practical skill attainment, and career readiness.

9. Proactive institutions will bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world work experiences. Creating meaningful partnerships and internships/apprenticeships that facilitate practical skill development will define successful institutions.

10. Intentional self-exploration and skills-based education plans are student-centered approaches that all families, schools, and learners should adopt with fidelity.

Plus, 17 practical solutions and actionable tactics provide the blueprint for changing our educational paradigm and reducing the skills gap.