White Paper
November 20, 2025

Why Career Readiness and Development Matters

Closing the Gap Between Graduate Preparation and Employer Expectations

American high school graduates face a critical career readiness crisis. Recent research reveals that 72% of high school graduates report feeling only moderately, slightly, or not at all prepared for life after graduation. This article digs into the importance of delivering both College and Career Readiness (CCR) in partnership with specialized Career Readiness and Development to learners.

View and Download Now

Ryan Hagedorn
Ryan Hagedorn is Chief Executive Officer of Pathful, where he combines his passion for education with innovative approaches to expand learning opportunities. Through empowering Pathfinders and educators, he works to make quality education more accessible and effective for all.
Blog

Why Career Readiness Can't Wait

No items found.
The $1.2 Trillion Wake-Up Call: Why Career Readiness Can't Wait MIT's groundbreaking research reveals the urgent need for a new approach to preparing students for the workforce.
career readiness, AI workforce impact, career development education, student career preparation, workforce transformation, preparing students for AI careers, transferable skills development, future of work education
Jon Reckinger
December 3, 2025
Blog

The Teetering Majority: Why Most Students Need Development, Not Just Exploration

No items found.
Discover why 55% of students are "teetering"—not lost, but stuck between interests and action. Stanford research reveals that traditional career exploration fails the majority of students who need structured development, not just more options. Learn how Career Readiness & Development bridges the gap between student aspirations and real-world success.
Career readiness and development, Student career development, Career exploration vs career development, Purpose-driven career planning, Work-based learning, William Damon purpose research, Failure to launch prevention, Student career pathways, Career readiness infrastructure, Professional connections for students, NEET statistics young adults, Career development at scale, Virtual job shadowing, Industry professional connections, Student career confidence, Why career exploration fails students, How to help students find career purpose, Difference between career exploration and development, Career readiness solutions for schools, Helping teetering students find direction, Authentic career experiences for students, Converting student interests into careers, Student career development best practices, College and career readiness, Student success strategies, Career education innovation, Youth employment challenges, Purpose in education, Work-based learning programs, Student engagement solutions
Brenda Solano, M.Ed.
November 21, 2025
White Paper

Why Career Readiness and Development Matters

No items found.
Closing the Gap Between Graduate Preparation and Employer Expectations
Ryan Hagedorn
November 20, 2025