According to The New Hire Readiness Report 2025 (a national survey of 500 hiring managers) 84% believe most high school graduates aren’t prepared for the workforce, and a staggering 80% think today’s grads are less prepared than previous generations. The disconnect between diplomas and job-ready skills is driving urgent demand for practical education pathways.
As a result of this, and in a push to better prepare high school students for the realities of today’s job market, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board have teamed up to launch new Advanced Placement (AP) “Career Kickstart” courses.
The College Board is piloting two new AP courses: AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity. The courses will launch nationwide in fall 2026 and are designed to offer students an industry-endorsed credential and real-world confidence.
The curriculum is being developed in consultation with educators and major employers, including CompTIA, Oracle, IBM, and Sephora, ensuring the material aligns with real-world industry needs. So far, nearly 500 employers and 75 local chambers of commerce across 40 states have endorsed the courses.
Among the most in-demand skills cited by hiring managers: critical thinking (94%), financial literacy (96%), and basic business acumen. In fact, 92% of employers surveyed said there should be more business courses available in high school.
Graduates who already hold an industry-recognized credential were viewed as significantly more prepared than those without (71% vs. 40%).
The Career Kickstart program is currently being tested in classrooms nationwide and has already been approved in 13 states, with more expected to follow. As the courses roll out, they aim to serve as a new on-ramp to college, apprenticeships, the military, or direct entry into the workforce.
