Eagle County is no stranger to innovation. From our world-class tourism economy to the entrepreneurs who have chosen to call our valley home, this community lives at the intersection of aspiration and opportunity. But there’s a growing conversation happening nationwide that’s especially relevant here at home: how well we are preparing our young people not just for college, but for meaningful careers right here in Eagle County and beyond.

Across the country, a striking number of business leaders say high school graduates are not ready for the workforce. In a recent New Hire Readiness Report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board, 84 % of hiring managers believe today’s high school graduates are not ready for work, and 80 % say they are less prepared than prior generations. Nearly 92 % believe more business education belongs in high school curricula.

Enter a new generation of business-backed high school courses, co-designed by the nation’s leading educators and employers. Through a partnership between the U.S. Chamber and College Board, AP Career Kickstart courses in Business with Personal Finance and Cybersecurity are set to launch nationwide in fall 2026 and fulfill the Colorado mandate to offer personal finance classes in high school. These aren’t your typical high school electives; they are rigorous, college-level courses featuring real-world projects, case studies with employers, and opportunities to earn college credit and industry-recognized credentials that matter to hiring managers.

Why does this matter? Because research is clear: learning experiences tied to real career contexts increase both student engagement and success. A peer-reviewed study of career academies, which integrate workplace themes into high school education, shows that students with exposure to internships, dual enrollment, and career-focused coursework are significantly more likely to transition to college and career success.

For Eagle County, the promise of business-backed learning is twofold: it equips our students with essential real-world skills and builds a stronger local workforce. Imagine a high school student building a business plan tied to our outdoor tourism industry or learning financial literacy through projects partners with local banks and employers. Think about how much more confident and prepared these students will be when they walk into their first job interview, start an apprenticeship, or launch a business of their own.

It’s not just about workforce readiness; it’s about economic empowerment. Financial literacy, a core component of these new business courses, enables young people to make informed decisions about loans, credit, savings, and investment at life’s key financial milestones. Employers consistently list financial understanding, critical thinking, and problem-solving as top traits they seek in new hires, far above specific technical skills that quickly change.

Local leaders such as school administrators, business owners, chambers of commerce, and parents, have a unique role to play. We must advocate for and support the adoption of business-backed coursework in Eagle County schools. We can build partnerships between classrooms and local employers, so students tackle real business challenges right here in the valley. And we can ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to the kinds of learning experiences proven to boost college and career success.

The future of work is changing rapidly. Automation. Remote work. The gig economy. Local industries without a pipeline of career-ready talent will struggle to compete. But Eagle County has an opportunity to lead and not just adapt. By embracing business-backed education, we invest in our most valuable resource: our young people.

Let’s align what we teach with the real opportunities students will face. Let’s make sure that when Eagle County students step out of the classroom, they step confidently into their futures: prepared, capable, and ready to contribute to the vitality of our community.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, 3-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com