High School Graduates Face Skills Shortage; New AP Courses Aim to Prepare Them for the Workforce

Finding qualified workers remains a significant challenge for businesses, with only 38% of hiring managers reporting that it’s easy to find candidates with the right skills.

The big picture: A new survey from the U.S. Chamber and College Board highlights a significant gap in workforce readiness among high school graduates.
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By the numbers: 84% of hiring managers in the survey say high school graduates aren’t ready for work.
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80% believe they’re less prepared than previous generations.

What we’re doing: The U.S. Chamber and College Board are working together to help high school students acquire the skills necessary to thrive in their careers.
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The College Board is developing new courses beginning with AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity, which will launch nationwide in fall 2026.

Students who pass the exams will earn credentials showing they have workplace-ready skills valued by employers.

What they said: During an event on Wednesday at the U.S. Chamber to showcase the partnership, students who took part in an AP Business pilot program praised the experience.
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“We really got that hands-on experience, and that, in itself, was transformative for me,” said Kaedin Jaramillo, a student at Arizona State University, who had to create a business plan as part of the pilot program while a sophomore in high school.

“You were working in teams. You were presenting on a daily basis, learning how to take feedback,” said Austin Bourn, a student at Cornell University, noting that he developed soft skills that businesses are looking for during the pilot program.

 “We hear from business leaders all the time—they cannot find the talent,” Suzanne P. Clark, U.S. Chamber President and CEO, said. “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.”

To learn more visit the US Chamber of Commerce