America Succeeds

03/16/2026

Portraits of a Graduate are reshaping how communities define readiness for life after high school, but vision alone doesn’t change systems.

Last week, we released Portrait to Practice, a new 50-state policy scan from America Succeeds examining how state policy helps translate portrait visions into real learning experiences for students.

Our analysis of 22 enabling conditions across six policy areas found that every state has pieces of the puzzle, but the difference between aspiration and impact is whether those policies work together as a coherent system.

Explore the report and dive into the full 50-state dataset.

Portrait to Practice presents the findings of a 50-state policy scan conducted by America Succeeds to explore how portrait visions can be translated into real learning experiences for students.

02/24/2026

Over the past year, educators and subject matter experts have helped us reshape and strengthen the K-12 Durable Skills Framework.

Now we’re entering the next phase.

If you work with learners ages 4–22 in classrooms, afterschool programs, clubs, extracurriculars, or higher education, we want your perspective.

✔️ See what’s changed
✔️ Share feedback on the updated framework
✔️ Help shape what comes next

This work is iterative, collaborative, and stronger because of practitioners like you.

Read the blog and take the survey below.

💻 Blog: https://americasucceeds.org/building-a-stronger-durable-skills-framework-how-feedback-is-shaping-our-work
📝 Survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0bGtmPw3SE6dIG2M4ps-919TDKjI3FQnSvjSZ9akl1InHHA/viewform

Thank you for sharing your perspective :) When you complete the survey, you will be entered to win one of several $100 VISA gift cards! Part 1: the PK–16 Durable Skills Development & Application Guide is being co-designed with educators (that’s you!) to ensure the developmental logic of 24 durab...

11/04/2025

We’re inviting educators and youth program staff to pilot FREE resources, provide feedback, and bring durable skills to life in every classroom. Learn more and sign up at https://americasucceeds.org/k12

08/06/2025

08/05/2025

America Succeeds is thrilled to announce the launch of Pathsmith™, our trademarked durable skills solution, designed to future-proof learners and earners with the skills needed for economic mobility in a rapidly changing world.

Like a blacksmith shaping tools to withstand the test of time, Pathsmith™ forges durable skills—such as communication, critical thinking, and leadership—that today’s learners and earners need to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce and global economy.

Learn more at https://www.pathsmith.org/
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07/31/2025

📢 NEW REPORT - Durable By Design: An Update on the High Demand for Durable Skills

In 2021, we made the case that durable skills—like communication, leadership, and creativity—were essential for success in every industry. Today, the data shows those skills aren't just essential…they’re defining the future of work.

🚨Just released in partnership with Lightcast, Durable by Design is our updated analysis of nearly 76 million U.S. job postings from 2023–2024.

🔑 Key findings include:
-76% of all job postings now request at least one durable skill
-47% request three or more—up 13 points since 2021
-8 of the top 10 most requested skills today are durable skills
-Demand is growing not only in sales and management, but in technical fields like computer science, engineering, and finance.

As AI reshapes jobs and industries, human-centered skills are emerging as the future-proof currency for career success and economic mobility. These aren’t “soft skills”—they’re durable skills.

🧠 We break it all down in our new report and explore what it means for employers, educators, and policymakers.

📖 Read the full report here →https://americasucceeds.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Durable-by-Design_July-2025.pdf