“How do we sufficiently prepare today’s students to enter the future labor market as adults?” This is a question that has perplexed experts for the past two decades. Currently, more than 1 in 3 workers believe that they do not have the proper training and education to enable them to move ahead in the workplace.

Specifically, employers are looking for employees who can work effectively in teams, who have strong communication and problem-solving skills, and who also possess expert-level technical skills.

After-school classes and summer learning programs help to close the gaps between the skills students have and the proficiencies employers are seeking.

After-school classes also help students discover new interests and professions that they might not have considered. Many afterschool classes provide students with real-world problem-solving opportunities to help them to achieve their career aspirations.

Percent of Employers Who Look For the Following:

Attributes in a Candidate*

Teamwork abilities
78%

Problem-solving skills
77%

Verbal communication skills
71%

*Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers, 2017

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