Although the U.S. economy is on the downside of the business cycle, the transformation to a new knowledge-based economy continues. The intersection of education, workforce and economic development policies becomes more important to a healthy state economy. In addition to high academic achievement, business and industry leaders point to the 21^st century skills (such as thinking, reasoning, teamwork and technology skills) as critical to preparing students for the world of continuing education and work.

Ms. Garmise will present the projections of the types of jobs on the horizon and the connection between educating a prepared workforce and economic prosperity. In addition to her job with Verizon, Ms. Johns is co-chair of the Washington, DC Youth Investment Council. Verizon is also a member of the CEO Forum for Education and Technology, which strives to ensure that America's schools effectively prepare all students to be contributing citizens and productive workers in the 21^st Century. Ms. Johns will explain what the 21^st Century skills are and how they can be integrated with academic assessments.

Ms. Hoye, the former director of the National School-to-Work office has focused her career on improving opportunities for ALL students and helping communities to build complete, sustainable educational systems that connect real education to real work. She will share her thoughts on the following trends.

Youth development approaches that seek to support all aspects of a student's life have demonstrated promising results for vulnerable youth. What are the principles of effective youth development approaches? Which programs integrate these principles in serving youth and how can state policy support these promising practices?

The school-to-career initiative married high expectations for academic achievement with applied learning, integrated curricula and work-based learning opportunities. Many models have integrated these principles with successful outcomes showing increased attendance and grades, lower dropout rates, higher postsecondary enrollment and safer schools. High Schools that Work, career academies and service learning programs are just some of the approaches Ms. Hughes will be discussing.

Partnerships between schools and local businesses can enrich students' learning and help align 21^st century skills with high academic standards. Hear from business people about how academic achievement intersects with workplace skills, how partnerships are structured and how businesses can contribute to youth development.

Multiple federal agencies provide funding for various career training and youth development programs aimed at in-school and out-of-school youth. This session will help you track down the money trail so that federal funds can work more in tandem with state efforts to prepare all youth for the future.