Socioeconomic disparities significantly affect postsecondary education outcomes, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center. Only 25% of graduates from high-poverty schools in 2017 and 2018 earned a degree within six years, compared with 59% of graduates from affluent schools, and only 51% of graduates from high-poverty schools enrolled in college immediately after graduation, compared with 74% of graduates from low-poverty schools.

Agriculture students at Holmen High School in Wisconsin teamed up with elementary-school students to harvest apples from the district's orchard, which are incorporated into the district's breakfast and lunch programs, appearing on fruit bars for students to enjoy. By growing and harvesting their own apples, the district reduces the need to purchase fruit, saving approximately $45 per case and expecting 30 to 40 cases this year.

Richard VanGrunsven, founder of Van's Aircraft and designer of the RV-12iS, will visit high school workshops across New Hampshire next month. His visit will give students in Manchester, Lebanon and Farmington the unique opportunity to meet the aircraft's creator and ask questions about the Van's airplanes they are building. VanGrunsven's engagement highlights the significance of the student airplane-building programs and his ongoing involvement in aviation education.

The health sciences department at Hutto High School in Texas is the largest in the school's career and technical education program and is preparing students for medical careers with hands-on training and certifications. The program, which has about 700 students enrolled, offers certifications in areas such as clinical medical assisting, pharmacy technician and emergency medical technician.

The US will face a shortfall of 5.3 million workers with postsecondary education by 2032, primarily in fields such as nursing, teaching and engineering, according to a report from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce. The report highlights the need for colleges to adapt to demographic shifts and for increased investment in education and training to address this gap, and suggests that expanding visa programs could help mitigate the shortage of skilled workers.

To retain Generation Z employees, companies must offer flexible and financially accessible learning opportunities, writes Michelle Westfort, the chief product officer at InStride. "This generation expects their investment in education and skill development to translate into tangible opportunities, with employers who recognize these efforts as integral components of a defined career progression," Westfort notes.

As baby boomers retire, millennials are increasingly moving into C-suite roles, raising questions about their readiness for executive leadership. Companies are urged to modernize succession planning by spotting leadership potential earlier, designing stretch assignments and normalizing succession as a business continuity strategy. Millennials are advised to proactively build executive readiness by taking on high-risk initiatives, seeking cross-generational mentorship and investing in structured learning.