Picture a student stepping into their first internship, seamlessly solving problems that don’t have textbook answers. They lead a team with confidence, think critically under pressure, and communicate ideas that inspire action. Students like these aren’t just prepared for the future—they’re shaping it.
And this isn’t some far-off dream.
In fact, it’s already happening in schools that prioritize durable skills education. These schools are reimagining success by empowering students to navigate uncertainty, think creatively, and thrive in dynamic environments. By focusing on competencies like critical thinking, adaptability, and communication, they’re preparing students for more than the workforce—they’re preparing them for life.
The Promise of Durable Skills
What if every student graduated not just with knowledge, but with the confidence, connections, and skills to thrive in an unpredictable world? Durable skills make this vision possible.
And the data is clear: durable skills are in high demand. America Succeeds’ analysis of 82 million job postings found that eight of the ten most sought-after skills are durable skills, requested nearly four times more than the top technical skills. These aren’t just workplace skills—they’re life skills. They prepare students to lead with confidence, innovate in the face of uncertainty, and communicate with impact.
Durable skills unlock opportunities. They help students not only meet workforce demands but also realize their full potential, paving the way for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. This is the promise of durable skills: an education that empowers every student to succeed, no matter what the future holds.
Proof in Practice: Schools Leading the Way
Across the country, innovative schools are showing how a focus on durable skills can transform education. By prioritizing real-world learning and personalized development, they’re preparing students to succeed in school, work, and life.
At Gibson Ek High School, students spend two days a week in internships and three days on self-directed learning projects. This hands-on approach helps students develop critical thinking and adaptability while exploring their interests and solving real-world problems.
Bostonia Global High School combines traditional academics with competency-based project classes and mentorship programs. Students use digital dashboards to track their growth while gaining skills like leadership and collaboration through coaching and real-world applications.
GO CAPS Monett immerses students in profession-based learning, where they collaborate on client projects and engage with industry mentors. This dynamic environment fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
At Building 21 Philadelphia, a robust competency framework guides students in mastering essential skills like “Wayfinding” and resilience. By focusing on individual growth and real-world applications, the school ensures students are prepared to navigate complex challenges with confidence.
These schools prove that integrating durable skills into education isn’t just possible—it’s transformative. They show how schools can evolve to meet the emerging needs of students and the workforce, yielding graduates who are ready to lead and succeed.
The America Succeeds report — Empowering Learners for School, Work, and Life: Insights from the Research Practice Collaborative (Phase I) — offers a clear roadmap for this transformation. With real-world examples, actionable strategies, and proven solutions, it provides the insights schools need to integrate durable skills into every classroom. From internships to competency-based learning frameworks, these strategies are already working in schools across the country.
The Opportunity to Lead
The world is changing faster than ever, and education must evolve to keep pace. Industries are transforming, jobs are being redefined, and the skills students need to thrive are shifting dramatically. In this landscape, durable skills aren’t just a nice-to-have—they’re essential. They are the foundation for navigating uncertainty, solving complex problems, and thriving in an ever-changing workforce.
Imagine what’s possible when schools prioritize these skills. Students graduate ready to adapt to emerging technologies, lead diverse teams, and seize opportunities that didn’t exist just a few years ago. Durable skills ensure they’re prepared for careers that demand creativity, collaboration, and resilience—traits automation and artificial intelligence (AI) can’t yet replicate.
For educators and policymakers, this moment is a unique opportunity to lead transformational change. Focusing on durable skills bridges the gap between conventional academic learning and workforce demands, positioning schools as hubs of innovation and success. The time to act is now—education’s role has never been more critical in shaping a brighter future.
Take Action and Join the Movement
Ready to strengthen durable skills education in your school or district? We’ve partnered with TNTP to make it happen! Learn more: CLICK HERE.
Want to embed durable skills in your classrooms and lesson plans? We’ve partnered with Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation at Arizona State University to build durable skills continuing education courses for educators! Learn more: CLICK HERE.
