This letter regarding H.R. 5, the “Student Success Act,” was sent to all Members of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Education
A strong education system is crucial to preparing young people for good jobs and bright futures and sustaining a 21st century workforce that can compete in the global economy. The Chamber is focused on fixing shortcomings in our education system so that: students emerge from our public education system prepared for college or career; higher education is more accessible and affordable; employers can find workers with the right skills and qualifications; and our workforce will attract investment, drive growth, and spur innovation.
To learn more, visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Center for Education and Workforce.
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Happening Now
Are American Millennials Falling Behind? http://t.co/QCkpdPofWZ via @Nikelle_CS
03/03/2015
Reason Triumphs over #CommonCore Opponents http://t.co/q8uCgM9rY6 via @Anne_S_Kim #ccss
03/03/2015
Biz advantage #2 of #youthemployment: Young adults fill critical #skillsgap http://t.co/zYR1461h6K #YouthJobs15 http://t.co/RSrs45Dnb8
03/02/2015
Our Position
Falling Behind
Almost 70% of U.S. students aren’t proficient in reading and basic math, based on international standards.
Few things have greater impact on the future of our country's prosperity and competitive standing in the world than our education system. It must prepare students to pursue their dreams, earn a living and provide for their families, and contribute to our economy. It must provide a steady flow of qualified workers so businesses can continue to operate, thrive, and grow. And in a global economy, investment follows talent‹investors will pour capital into economies with a strong and stable workforce.
But shortcomings in America's K-12 public schools threaten to hold our country back. Too many students are not being adequately prepared for college or careers. The result is a persistent skills gap that is leaving millions of Americans unemployed or underemployed while employers struggle to find qualified candidates to fill open positions.
In an effort to close that gap and to create opportunities for all Americans, the Chamber advocates for:
- Rigorous academic standards that prepare students for college or career;
- Smarter investment of education dollars;
- Greater transparency and accountability in our system;
- Stronger competition among schools and more choice for parents;
- And the deployment of innovative tools and techniques in classrooms.
The Chamber also works to address challenges in higher education. The United States has the best colleges, universities, and research institutions in the world. But students seeking access to postsecondary education programs are increasingly burdened with economic and educational barriers. And fewer than half of students who enter postsecondary programs graduate in six years. The Chamber promotes improved access and affordability, increased transparency, and a focus on multiple pathways for students to gain postsecondary credentials needed to succeed in the workplace.
Take Action
- Check out our interactive Web tool to see how your state compares to others across the country at www.LeadersandLaggards.org
COMMON CORE
- Visit the interactive state-by-state map of education landscape.
- Show your support for Common Core—sign the pledge today.
Job Skills Gap
There are currently more than 3.9 million jobs vacant in the United States because there aren’t enough qualified candidates to fill them.
TALENT PIPELINE MANAGEMENT
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) is engaging employers and their partners across the country in developing a new demand-driven approach—talent pipeline management—to close the skills gap. Through extending lessons learned from innovations in supply chain management, this is a call for employers to play a new and expanded leadership role as “end-customers” of education and workforce partnerships. From there, employers can proactively organize and manage talent supply chain partnerships with measures and incentives tied to performance.
Timeline
The latest updates across all U.S. Chamber properties
White Paper Makes Case for Demand-Driven Strategies Around Youth Talent Development
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today released a white paper titled, “Making Youth Employment Work: Essential Elements for a Successful Strategy,” at the National Opportunity Summit. The paper, developed in collaboration with The Bridgespan Group, provides employers with strategies on how to forge new and customized pathways for developing young talent as part of their overall business strategy.
More than 6 million Americans between the ages of 16 and 24 are out of work and out of school and are at risk of being shut out of our economy.
If you were approached by a high school or college student seeking career advice, you could do a lot worse than to advise them to consider a path in cybersecurity. The job market for professionals with the technical skills to fight cyberattacks is looking more promising all the time.
This letter regarding the markup of and various provisions of H.R. 5, the “Student Success Act,” was sent to the Members of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.
If you were too busy prepping for the big game on Sunday to watch the morning talk shows, you missed an insightful debate by two conservatives on the Common Core State Standards.
More than 60% of high school seniors are not proficient in reading, and more than 70% of 12th graders can't write at a proficient level.
An infographic compares the two states on education, entrepreneurship, and legal climate.
Thirteen years. That is the last time Congress reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), better known in its current form as ‘No Child Left Behind.’ And, thirteen years later, everyone agrees the law is in desperate need of modifying, updating, and improving.
