Students often ask: How do the skills I learn in school apply to my future? Now, a groundbreaking partnership between the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) is providing an answer.
Through a new interagency agreement, the two departments are working together to create a national “skills currency” — a unified way for students, workers, and employers to recognize and validate skills across education and career pathways.
The idea is simple but powerful: instead of focusing only on traditional credentials like diplomas or degrees, this approach highlights what students can actually do — from technical skills to problem-solving and collaboration. By aligning education programs with labor market needs, students will be better equipped to show their competencies, and employers will be able to match talent with opportunity more effectively.
For schools and families, this means clearer pathways from classroom learning to real-world careers. For students, it means more opportunities to turn hard work and learning into future success — no matter which path they take after graduation.
This national initiative represents a bold step toward bridging education and employment, ensuring every learner’s skills are valued in the workforce.
Recent Stories:
Zander Bowles, a former student in Ingham ISD’s SAIL program, has become a passionate and persistent advocate for accessibility in local government—attending city council meetings, advising on public facility updates, and volunteering across the community.
Haslett Public Schools’ Wilkshire Early Childhood Center is setting an example for what’s possible when a school team dedicates itself to building strong systems for students and families. Their staff has invested countless hours into this work, reviewing data, collaborating on goals, and engaging in professional development alongside Ingham ISD’s PBIS and School Improvement coaches. This partnership ensures Wilkshire’s efforts are intentional, sustainable, and always centered on student success. The result is a program worth celebrating and one we hope inspires other schools across the region.
