A key pillar of America Succeeds’ work is to conduct groundbreaking research that both illustrates challenges and solutions, and disseminate key findings from network partners that support others in joining the movement to transform the school-to-work pipeline.
LATEST WORK
Portrait to Practice presents the findings of a 50-state policy scan conducted by America Succeeds between late 2025 and early 2026. The scan examines the policy and leadership conditions that help translate portrait visions into real learning experiences for students.
The research analyzed 22 enabling conditions across six categories of state policy, including:
Together, these policies shape whether durable skills development becomes an isolated innovation or a systemwide reality for learners.
DURABLE SKILLS DATA
In 2021, we released The High Demand for Durable Skills and made the case that durable skills—like communication, leadership, and creativity—were essential for success in every industry. Today, the data shows those skills aren’t just essential; they are defining the future of work.
In Durable by Design, we’ve partnered with Lightcast to provide an updated analysis of more than 75 million job postings. The findings reveal a striking truth: 76% of all roles now require at least one durable skill, and 47% of job postings call for three or more — a 13% increase since our 2021 report.
Download the full report to learn how demand for durable skills has surged over the last four years, why they’re outpacing technical skills in importance, and what it means for educators, employers, and economic mobility.
LATEST FROM THE RPC
In 2024, America Succeeds launched the Research Practice Collaborative (RPC) to explore how innovative schools and programs are preparing students for success through the development of durable skills like communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. This project focused on the deliberate practices and systems that connect academic learning to real-world applications, equipping students for school, work, and life.
Over 16 months, our research team conducted site visits in diverse communities, including urban, rural, and small town settings. We studied public, charter, and private models; interviewed more than 200 students, educators, and industry partners; and analyzed thousands of pages of transcripts, student work, and program materials.
Across every context, we observed the same pattern: when schools deliberately design for durable skills such as communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability, students experience clearer purpose, stronger engagement, and more powerful preparation for life after high school.
