The modern workforce requires more than academic knowledge; it requires adaptable skills, practical experience and clear pathways from education to career. Our Teen Career Readiness Framework is designed to prepare high school students to thrive in a dynamic, future-focused economy.
Rooted in three core constructs — Learning About Work, Learning Through Work, and Learning At Work — this framework ensures students gain a holistic understanding of career pathways. After engaging in exploration, exposure, skill development and workforce preparation, students graduate with a competitive advantage and the confidence to navigate post-secondary success.
Our Teen Career Readiness Strategy is rooted in a simple belief: when students understand what’s possible for their futures, they become more confident, more engaged and more motivated to take their next steps. In a community as diverse and dynamic as those surrounding TGR Learning Labs, it’s essential that young people have access to real-world learning experiences that help them discover their strengths, explore new industries and build the durable skills they’ll carry into college, careers and life.
Providing these opportunities isn’t just important – it’s urgent. Today’s students are navigating a world that is rapidly evolving, and they deserve spaces where they can ask questions, try new ideas, be curious, take risks and see professionals who reflect their backgrounds and aspirations. Career readiness is not about choosing one path; it’s about gaining exposure, building connections and learning the skills that make every path possible.
This year, we’ve expanded our work in meaningful ways. Across our TGR Learning Labs, in Anaheim and Philadelphia, hundreds of students have engaged in industry experiences. We have facilitated an entrepreneurship and product design career experience, an education career panel, communication and résumé workshops, hosted a Patient Care Career Panel in collaboration with Providence and the inaugural eSports Video Game Development and Design panel in partnership with 2k. Additionally, students have taken the steps to receive their drone certification, participated in job shadowing experiences in partnership with Merion Golf Club and earned certifications in pre-med coursework in collaboration with DxR Health Academy.
We’re already seeing positive outcomes; students reported increased confidence, relief, stronger communication and collaboration skills and a clearer understanding of the careers they want to explore next. Many have returned to school excited to share, “I didn’t know I could do this until today.”
Our partners are at the heart of this progress. Every workshop, panel conversation and field trip is made possible because industry professionals are willing to open their doors and share their stories. These partnerships show students what opportunity looks like – and remind them that their goals are within reach. Whether a partner hosts a career panel, provides a workplace tour, mentors a small group or collaborates on a hands-on project, their involvement creates transformative moments for students.
We invite professionals and organizations to partner with us in this work. There are countless ways to get involved, from leading a session to designing a workshop to supporting our events with expertise, materials or time. No contribution is too small; every touchpoint makes a difference.
Our students feel the impact deeply. One student shared after a recent event, “I learned so much today. I didn’t realize how many careers I could actually see myself doing. Hearing everyone’s story made me feel like I can get there too.”
This is why we do this work. Confidence built through authentic, skill-based learning is what prepares students for school, work and life. By partnering with the TGR Foundation, you’re not just supporting a program; you’re shaping the next generation of leaders.
