Bridging the Gap: How AP Career Kickstart is Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

As chamber professionals, we hear it from our members every day: the talent gap is real. According to the U.S. Chamber’s 2025 New Hire Readiness Report, a staggering 84% of hiring managers believe high school students are not fully prepared to enter the workforce. Furthermore, 92% of employers agree that high schools need more business-focused curriculum.
To meet this challenge head-on, W.A.C.E. is proud to highlight a transformative new initiative: AP Career Kickstart.

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What is AP Career Kickstart?
Developed through a collaboration between the College Board and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, AP Career Kickstart combines the academic rigor of Advanced Placement (AP) with industry-guided relevance. The program is designed to provide students with a clear pathway from the classroom to high-growth careers.
The program is launching with two critical courses:

• AP Business with Personal Finance
• AP Cybersecurity

These aren't just elective classes; they are courses shaped by industry giants like IBM, Oracle, and U.S. Bank. By participating, students gain technical skills, "durable" soft skills (like critical thinking and communication), and employer-recognized credentials that carry weight whether they are heading to a four-year university or straight into the workforce.

Why This Matters for Your Chamber
Chambers are the natural bridge between education and industry. By supporting AP Career Kickstart, your chamber can:

• Strengthen the Talent Pipeline: Help local schools deliver curriculum that matches the actual needs of your regional employers.
• Scale Your Impact: Leverage a standardized, nationwide model that takes the burden of curriculum development off individual teachers and businesses.
• Lead the Conversation: Join over 75 local chambers and 400 employers nationwide who have already endorsed these courses.
  
  

Lead the Conversation
As chambers, we are the voice of business in the classroom. AP Career Kickstart gives us the tools to turn that voice into action, ensuring our local education systems are aligned with the economic realities of our members. Don't let your community miss out on the 2026-27 nationwide rollout. To discuss how your chamber can lead this high-impact workforce model locally, please reach out to Glenn Morris, President & CEO of W.A.C.E., at [email protected] or by calling 805.621.6890.