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.

In 2024, America Succeeds launched and completed Phase I of the Research Practice Collaborative (RPC) to explore how innovative schools and programs are preparing students for success through the development of durable skills—core competencies 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.

Working closely with four diverse schools and programs, America Succeeds conducted site visits, interviews, and focus groups to uncover how these institutions are fostering meaningful skill development. The findings provide actionable insights for educators and leaders aiming to create similar opportunities for their students.

This report marks the first phase of an ongoing initiative to deepen understanding and share effective strategies for durable skills education. Future phases of the Research Practice Collaborative will build on these findings, expanding to include additional schools and testing innovative approaches to skill development and assessment.