U.S. Chamber of Commerce & College Board Warn: Most High School Graduates Aren’t Work-Ready; New AP Courses Aim to Bridge the Gap
Washington, D.C. - September 18, 2025 - A new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the College Board, reveals a substantial readiness gap between what high school graduates are learning and what employers expect. The study, The New Hire Readiness Report 2025, and a landmark partnership aim to address the gap by introducing business-aligned high school curriculum.
Major Findings:
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84% of hiring managers say that most high school graduates are not prepared for the workforce.
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80% believe graduates today are less prepared than those from previous generations.
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Only 38% of employers find it easy to locate candidates who have the right skills.
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High school graduates who hold industry-recognized credentials are viewed as significantly more prepared: 71% are considered ready compared to 40% among those without credentials.
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Critical thinking, problem solving, and financial literacy are among the top skills that nearly all employers want new hires to have.
Action Plan:
To help reduce the readiness gap, the U.S. Chamber and College Board will launch two new Advanced Placement courses nationwide in fall 2026:
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AP Business with Personal Finance
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AP Cybersecurity
These courses will align with industry competencies and allow students to earn college credit and employer-endorsed credentials. They will be shaped with input from businesses, industry advisors, and educators.
Quote:
“The message from America’s job creators is clear: we need to do more to equip students with the skills they need to succeed,” said Neil Bradley, EVP & Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Next Steps:
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Testing of the new AP courses is underway in select classrooms across the country.
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Stakeholders, including states, educational institutions, employers, and Chambers, are encouraged to support recognition of the new credential and to integrate business-oriented skill development into high school curricula.
