New Skills Ready Network: Transforming youth career pathways

When young people have exposure to career, technical, or postsecondary education, they are more likely to graduate, enroll in a two-year college, secure employment, and earn higher wages.¹ Despite the importance of this education, many students navigate fragmented systems that do not help them develop the skills or experiences needed to enter the workforce. The deficiencies in the systems that facilitate youth transitions to postsecondary opportunities also hinder local economic growth by not adequately supporting the talent pipelines required by employers.² Recognizing this challenge, JPMorganChase leveraged our decade of experience in youth employment programs to launch the New Skills Ready Network (NSRN) in 2020. We invested $7 million each in six cities—Boston, Columbus, Dallas, Denver, Indianapolis, and Nashville—over five years to develop demand-driven career pathways—programs that provide students with access to higher education and real-world work experiences leading to high-wage, in-demand jobs. By 2024, NSRN demonstrated significant impact: student participation in high-quality career pathways increased in the six cities adding roughly 39,000 students to programs aligned with employer needs; the number of students earning high value, industry-recognized credentials increased by almost 3,900; and new policies were enacted at institutional, local, and state levels to further support career education.³

The solutions developed and tested through NSRN are ripe for additional investment and tailoring to other markets. In our latest "What Works" report, JPMorganChase explores the innovative strategies employed by NSRN to enhance youth career pathways. Drawing on insights from education leaders, business experience, and employer expertise, the report highlights effective approaches for strengthening career pathways and supporting local economic growth. Key elements include the role of learning communities, intermediaries, employer engagement, and sustainable systems change.

Learn more by reading the "What Works" brief