Today's workplaces, and those of the 21st century, require a new kind of worker -- one who excels at solving problems, thinking critically, working in teams and constantly learning on the job. In this global and technology-driven economy, the skills of the workforce are a company's major competitive advantage. Corporate, community and individual success in this new economy means that our education system has to change, too.

The old "drill and grill" method of educating young people cannot keep up with or prepare all young people for the changing demands and opportunities of modern society. We can no longer afford a two-tiered educational system with high-standards academic preparation for some and low-standards general track or vocational preparation for others. Today's schools must offer all students challenging, relevant academics and meaningful work-based experiences in their communities. The consequences of our education system being out of sync with the changing nature of work have taken a toll on American business.

It is estimated that American business spends nearly $30 billion training and retraining its workforce. Until we as a society fully address the mismatch between what and how students are learning in high school and what they will be required to know and do to ensure successful careers, this figure is likely to continue to rise.

Using federal seed money, States and their partnerships design the school-to-work system that makes the most sense for them. There is no single model. While these systems are different from State to State, each provides every American student with:

• Relevant Education - allowing students to explore different careers and see what skills are required in their working environment;
• Skills - obtained from structured training and work-based learning experiences, including necessary skills of a particular career as demonstrated in a working environment; and
• Valued Credentials - establishing industry-standard benchmarks and developing education and training standards which ensure that proper education is received for each career.

Every State and locally created School-to-Work system must contain three core elements:

• School-based Learning - classroom instruction based on high academic and business-defined occupational skill standards.
• Work-based Learning - career exploration, work experience, structured training and mentoring at job sites.
• Connecting Activities - courses integrating classroom and on-the-job instruction, matching students with participating employers, training of mentors and the building of other bridges between school and work.

While School-to-Work may look different from State to State, each local system provides relevant education, marketable skills and valued credentials to all its learners.

• See the relevance of rigorous education
• Gain real workplace experience and an understanding of career and educational options
• Work with adult role models as peers

• Are rejuvenated by a focus on interdisciplinary team-teaching that's connected to real workplaces
• See real results and motivation from a broader range of students
• Are empowered in their profession, within restructured high schools and their communities

• Have an available pool of new workers who understand the needs and expectations of their business
• Can reduce employee training costs and turnover
• Improve morale and management skills of adult workers