Preparing the Next Generation of Business Leaders
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board are working together to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed in work, life, and the modern economy.
Business-Backed Education, Starting in High School
Employers consistently identify a growing gap between what many students learn and the skills needed in today's economy. The U.S. Chamber and College Board are working to close that gap by bringing new industry-informed AP courses to high school students, including AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity.
Preparing students to understand how businesses operate, create value, and compete in the marketplace is critical to building a workforce of entrepreneurial talent that understands the value of free enterprise and economic growth no matter what industry they choose to build a career in.
Hear from the educators and industry leaders working to equip students with the skills and experiences needed for success.
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84%
Hiring managers that say most students are not prepared to enter the workforce out of high school
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47%
Hiring managers that say their company spends too much time on training and upskilling new employees
In Partnership with
Our Work
- Expanding Career-Connected LearningDesigned to provide students with real-world skills in high-demand fields, AP Career Kickstart courses are created by high school educators and college faculty with input from hundreds of companies.Read more
- Bringing Employers to the TableWith AP courses closely aligned with the needs of today's economy, many employers are exploring ways to use AP credentials to accelerate hiring and internship pathways.Read more
- Advancing New ResearchThe U.S. Chamber and College Board are producing original research that explores workforce readiness, employer expectations, and opportunities to strengthen talent development.Read more
Latest Research & Insights
Insights from hiring managers on the preparedness of today's entry-level workforce and what employers value most in emerging talent.
Engaging Local Chambers of Commerce
Members of the Chamber of Commerce Committee of 100 (CCC100) are promoting the importance of business education in schools and ensuring workforce readiness in their communities.
Support for AP Business with Personal Finance
This course is about preparing students for day one of their first job and helping them see enterprise as a source of opportunity and growth.— Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Business is the art of opportunity. It’s the idea that an idea can turn into action. That’s what this course is about.— David Coleman, CEO of the College Board
This course allowed me to think across disciplines and address real-world business challenges. It set me apart at Cornell and in the workplace.— Austin Bourn, Student, Cornell University; AP Business with Personal Finance pilot course participant
The number one trait I took away from that class was confidence. I created a business plan at 15, held an internship in high school, and entered college knowing I was capable.— Kaedin Jaramillo, Student, Arizona State University; AP Business with Personal Finance pilot course participant
To get the best talent, I have to engage with academia. I need students who understand business fundamentals—not just theory, but how to operate a business.— James Schenck, President and CEO, Pentagon Federal Credit Union (Penn Fed)
Every decision has downstream effects. That's what students need exposure to — how one choice impacts the entire system.— Natalie Kaddas, President and CEO, Kaddas Enterprises Inc.
At the other end of this [AI] disruption, we will all have to be more entrepreneurial. That’s what this course is preparing students for.— Aneesh Raman, Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at Microsoft
AP Career Kickstart™ courses offer high schools a new group of career courses that can be tailored to fit into existing career and technical education (CTE) programs. The courses can lead to college credit, employer-endorsed credentials, and prepare students for high-demand jobs.
Get Involved
Help shape the future workforce by sharing your expertise, supporting career-connected learning, and advocating for stronger pathways between education and employment.
Latest Content
- The College Board and U.S. Chamber's New Hire Readiness Report 2025 finds that entry-level workers need more than a diploma to be ready for today’s workforce.The U.S. Chamber and the College Board unveiled a new partnership designed to transform high school education and workforce readiness.With 84% of employers saying grads aren’t workforce-ready, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the College Board are launching new AP courses to equip students with business essential knowledge.U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board Announce Landmark Partnership; New Business-Backed High School Courses, Credentials, and Skills Launched for Millions of U.S. StudentsThe 2025 New Hire Readiness Report reveals that the majority of hiring managers feel that high school graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce.A coalition of local chambers of commerce dedicated to fostering a career-ready workforce and strengthening tomorrow's economy.
