“For the first time in the history of the country, young people are less healthy and less prepared to take their places in society than their parents. Moreover, this is happening at a time when our society is more complex, more challenging and more competitive than ever before.”

                                            American Medical Association

 

“Half of all 10 to 17-year-olds were at high or moderate risk of undermining their chances for a healthy life because of substance abuse, unsafe sex, teen pregnancy, school failure or delinquency, crime, or violence.”  

                                       Adolescents at Risk

 

“Students who leave high school without graduating do so not out of boredom or lack of motivation, but because they are overwhelmed by many serious challenges in their daily lives, including homelessness, violent surroundings, abuse or neglect, family health events, and the absence of caring adults who can help them stay in school.”  

                  America’s Promise Alliance, Tufts University Center for Promise

 

“Employers identified leadership as an essential skill that entry-level workers lack. The scope of job readiness skills was expanded to include work ethic, problem solving, and creativity, organization awareness and interpersonal skills. These skills were ranked ahead of writing, math, reading, and job specific skills.”                                     

Workforce 2020: Work and Workers of the 21st Century

 

 

“The top 5 skills requested by employers relative to new hires included:  interpersonal relationships, personal qualities, teamwork, communication, and leadership.”  

Workforce 2020: Work and Workers of the 21st Century