Eva Mitchell, the CEO of the Coalition for Career Development Center, is leading the charge in prioritizing career readiness for students. She believes that the distinction between career and technical education (CTE) and traditional academic education is becoming increasingly blurred. Mitchell points out that in the past, many students lacked access to opportunities to develop technical skills due to the de-prioritization of skills-based education, leading to a decline in global competitiveness and academic achievement.
Mitchell emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset from an “either/or” to an “and” approach when it comes to skill development pathways. She notes that technical skills are becoming essential across all industries and careers, with basic computer literacy now being a requirement for almost every job. Mitchell predicts that in the future, leveraging artificial intelligence and advanced technology will be the norm, making technical skills crucial in all stages of a career.
Today, CTE pathways offer students opportunities to increase their earning potential and pursue higher education. Mitchell highlights the benefits of high-quality CTE, including improved attendance, engagement, and motivation, as well as higher graduation rates and earnings. Some states are working on developing more holistic standards of college and career readiness, such as California’s College/Career Indicator (CCI), which includes measures of both college and career readiness.
Mitchell calls for leaders in educational organizations, non-profits, and businesses to provide learners with access to high-quality academic and professional resources to secure productive employment. She emphasizes the importance of meaningful and personalized career planning conversations between students and mentors, promoting digital literacy, and creating work-based learning opportunities to help students develop valuable skills and build their professional network.
In conclusion, Mitchell stresses the importance of changing how we approach career readiness in K-12 and higher education settings. She believes that all learners deserve access to career technical skills at all ages and stages of their education. Mitchell encourages collaboration among educational and industry leaders to make career readiness a top priority for American education and workforce development.
