A new article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation highlights how career-connected learning can bridge the gap between what students learn in school and the skills employers need. Recent surveys show that most high school graduates feel unprepared for life after graduation, while many employers remain skeptical about hiring Gen Z workers. Both groups, however, want stronger connections between education and the workforce.

The piece points to promising models like Township High School District 214 in Illinois, where students combine core academics with career pathways and graduate with credentials or college credits. It also showcases the Chamber’s own Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC), which bring businesses, schools, and students together to solve real-world problems. Programs like these, along with virtual career exploration opportunities, show how business and education can collaborate to build stronger pipelines of talent.

As the article notes, today’s high school students are tomorrow’s workforce—and career-connected learning offers a practical, widely supported way to prepare them for success while meeting employer needs.