Illinois has a strong track record of implementing college and career readiness reforms focused on improving student outcomes. The state entered New Skills for Youth (NSFY) with a goal of boosting degree and credential attainment for working-age adults to 60% by 2025. Under New Skills for Youth, the team aimed to boost degree and credential attainment for working-age adults to 60% by 2025. During Phase One, the state focused on adding career readiness indicators to the accountability system and meaningfully engaging with critical stakeholders to inform the implementation of the rest of the strategic plan.
Phase One of JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s New Skills for Youth grant extended from May to October 2016. With bold visions for improving career readiness in K-12 education, each Phase One state spent the grant period performing a diagnostic assessment of their career preparation system and preparing for implementation of a new action plan. This snapshot describes Illinois’ experience and progress in Phase One, including promising practices and innovations. Additional snapshots from other Phase One New Skills for Youth states are available here.
