Architecting a Kindergarten to Workforce (K–W) Talent Pipeline

The "skills gap" persists because we misdefine it as one problem. Workforce readiness actually involves three distinct skills—technical, durable, and functional—plus the ability to navigate entering the job market. Treating skills as one category hides real pipeline breakdowns.

The Charles A. Dana Center proposes three fixes: partnering to close technical gaps, teaching durable "meta-skills" like learning how to learn, and building industry-informed curricula for a future-ready workforce. Published August 2026.