New Report Highlights Employer Perspectives on Readiness of Kentucky High School Graduates

Every year, thousands of high school students throughout Kentucky walk across graduation stages, diplomas in hand. It's a proud moment for families, educators, and communities. But what does that diploma really mean for the futures of these graduates?  

Today, the Prichard Committee released findings from our 2024 Meaningful Diploma Employer Survey, offering key insights into how Kentucky's business community views high school graduates’ preparation. The survey, gathering perspectives from more than 600 employers and industry representatives across 20+ industries, comes at a critical moment as Kentucky business and education leaders examine what a Kentucky high school diploma should mean and what standards matter most.

This was the question that drove us to reach out to Kentucky's business community. We wanted to hear directly from the people who are hiring our graduates, working alongside them, and depending on their skills to drive our state's economy forward.  

More than 600 employers across Kentucky shared their insights with us, and their message was clear: while we're getting many things right, there's work to be done to ensure a Kentucky high school diploma opens doors to real opportunities and equips graduates with the credentials and skills they need to succeed.

The World Our Graduates Are Entering

The postsecondary transition and workforce landscape has shifted dramatically. Today's high school graduates are making different choices than their predecessors did just a few years ago. More are heading straight into the workforce or combining work with further education. This makes it more important than ever that a high school diploma represents real preparation for success, whether a graduate's next step is college, career, or both.

What We're Hearing from Employers

The feedback from Kentucky’s business community is both concerning and hopeful: only about 1 in 8 employers feel strongly confident in our recent graduates' workplace readiness. As one manufacturing leader put it, "We see plenty of diplomas, but we're seeing gaps in both academic preparation and workplace readiness skills. Our graduates need stronger foundations in both areas to be truly prepared for success.”

Employers say they're seeing gaps in crucial areas like communication, critical thinking, and workplace etiquette – the kinds of skills that can make or break someone's career success.

The Good News: Employers Want to Help

Here's what's encouraging: Kentucky's business community isn't just pointing out concerns – they're eager to be part of the solution. In addition to the 21.8% of employers that say they already offer work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships, more than half of employers who aren't currently offering these experiences say they are very willing to. As one healthcare industry executive shared, "We see tremendous opportunity to partner with schools and help prepare students for real-world success. We just need better frameworks for making these connections.”

Building Partnerships That Matter

The enthusiasm is there – 83.7% of employers believe partnerships with schools are crucial for developing talent. But right now, fewer than 1 in 5 report having regular communication with local schools. As one regional business leader noted, "There's often a disconnect between how we measure success in education and what makes someone successful in the workplace.”

What This Means for Kentucky's Future

When we talk about making diplomas more meaningful, we're really talking about fundamental questions of economic opportunity and creating upward economic mobility. We're talking about the diploma serving as Kentucky's promise that every graduate is equipped to earn a living wage, support a family, and contribute to their community. We're talking about breaking cycles of poverty and building generational wealth. We're talking about strengthening our state's talent pipeline and making Kentucky more attractive to new businesses and industries. A Kentucky high school diploma must be a reliable signal that students have mastered not only academic subjects but have developed the durable skills and transferable knowledge needed to thrive in our rapidly evolving world.

Moving Forward Together

The full Meaningful Diploma Employer Survey Report provides actionable insights for strengthening the connection between education and workforce success in Kentucky; And solving it requires all of us: educators connecting classroom learning to real-world success, employers providing authentic learning experiences, policymakers removing barriers to collaboration, and communities supporting meaningful change.

While public education remains a critical public trust, careful calibration to meet today's challenges is required. As Kentucky education and business leaders work together to strengthen the meaning of a high school diploma, we must ensure our accountability systems and measures of success align with what employers value most – including durable skills, real-world application of learning, and authentic work experiences. Getting this alignment right means transforming Kentucky's high school diploma from a credential of completion into a trusted signal of genuine preparation.

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Dear Kentucky Citizens,

We, the Appalachia Educator Alliance, write to you with a sense of urgency and commitment to share insights from our recent report, Shaping the Future of Education in Appalachia Kentucky: Insights and Action Report 2024. Our findings highlight the unique challenges and pressing needs that define the educational landscape in Kentucky’s Appalachian region. It is our collective responsibility to address these issues and ensure that every child in our state has access to quality education and a brighter future.

To be an educator, one must also be open to continual learning. Kentucky teachers are lifelong learners dedicated to understanding student needs, developing new ideas, and implementing innovative classroom practices. This often means accepting that what happens in the classroom reflects the life, culture, and beliefs of the surrounding district, community, and region.

In 2023, our team, supported by the Steele-Reese Foundation and The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, developed a survey for the 54 counties served by the Appalachia Regional Commission. The goal was to understand the opportunities and challenges educators in the region face. The results highlighted three key areas of concern: generational poverty, the drug epidemic, and the lack of resources and opportunities in the region.

While this initial survey provided valuable insights into the needs of teachers in the Appalachian region, the Appalachia Educator Alliance team was tasked by the Steele-Reese Foundation to delve deeper. In 2023, 93% of survey respondents agreed that the education system in Kentucky’s Appalachia has unique circumstances not always seen or understood in other regions of the state. In Spring 2024, our team asked the teachers in those same counties to further explain how the three key areas impact the region differently than they do in other parts of the state.

Generational Poverty: Generational poverty remains one of the most significant barriers to education in Appalachia, Kentucky according to almost82% of respondents. Defined as the persistence of poverty across multiple generations, it traps families in a cycle of economic hardship and limited opportunities. Over 30% of families in this region live below the federal poverty line, with many relying on government assistance. Children are born into poverty and often the expectation is that they remain part of the family unit. They are encouraged to “not get above their raisin’”—this phrase is often meant to encourage young people to stay humble and true to their roots; however, it can also be taken to mean don’t try to rise above your station in life.  As educators, we witness firsthand the daily struggles of our students, who often lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, and stable housing. One middle school teacher shared, “The systems in place basically trap families in a cycle of poverty that is passed down through generations. Probably its biggest impact in my classroom relates to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. It’s really hard for kids to learn [at school]when their basic needs aren’t being met at home, if they don’t feel safe, or if their responsibilities to their families are seen as more important than school.”

Drug Epidemic: The drug epidemic continues to ravage many communities across Kentucky, with a profound impact on our students in Appalachia. Over 71% of teachers surveyed in Kentucky’s Appalachian region reported that their school lacks adequate systems to address the drug epidemic's impact on student learning, with 82% stating that drugs directly impact their classroom. While state school report cards show that only 14% of Kentucky's students were involved in a drug-related incident last school year, our survey reveals a deeper issue. The discrepancy arises because the report cards focus solely on student-related drug incidents, whereas our survey captured the broader impact of family and community drug use on education in the Appalachian region. One teacher emphasized, “A high average of students are being raised by grandparents, aunts, and uncles, or are in the foster care system due to their parents’ drug use or the death of a parent to drugs. Many parents are in jail and/or rehab. Students are tired from being up all night with parents who are high, fearing an overdose, or working to help pay the bills. A rising number of students are dealing with learning deficits due toothier parents’ drug use during pregnancy.” While drugs are an issue statewide, in Appalachia the issue is more prevalent due to the lack of jobs, opportunities, and resources. Drugs become both a source of income and a path to remaining in poverty.

Lack of Resources and Opportunities: Our schools in Appalachia, Kentucky, are often underfunded and lack essential resources. Many schools struggle to provide up-to-date textbooks, technology, and extracurricular activities. Inadequate infrastructure, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated facilities are common issues. A high school teacher noted, "Internet services are also not up to par to support what is necessary to be successful in a 21st-century classroom." These resource gaps significantly hinder our students' ability to compete on a level playing field with their peers from more affluent areas. Lack of training to deal with trauma due to drugs, poverty, and natural disasters like the recent historical flooding also impact teachers’ ability to address issues impacting learning in the classroom, according to almost 56% of respondents. Add the existence of various inequities and very little economic growth or job opportunities, education becomes more necessary than ever, but also the least important thing for families. “It’s hard to say you can be anything in the world - their world is so small,” stated a teacher in 2023. Teachers surveyed in 2024, further explained that students who lack worldview and experiences outside the region have little hope and few aspirations for a successful career or even steady employment.

Despite these challenges, our students can exhibit remarkable resilience and determination. To address these issues and foster a supportive educational environment, we recommend the following actions:

1. Increased Funding: Allocate more state and federal funds to schools in Appalachia to ensure they have the necessary resources and personnel to support students.
2. Advocacy: Develop actions or activities through collaboration between teachers and decision-makers, both within and outside the school/district, that lead to improvements and solutions.
3. Enhanced Drug Prevention and Treatment: Invest in comprehensive drug prevention and treatment programs within our public schools to mitigate the impact of the drug epidemic on     our communities.
4. Professional Development: Offer ongoing professional development for teachers to equip them with the skills to address the unique challenges faced by their students.
5. Infrastructure Improvements: Upgrade school facilities and provide modern technology as well as materials, supplies, curriculums, etc., that enhance the learning environment.
6. Career Pathways and Exposure: Increase opportunities for students to explore various career paths and gain exposure to experiences beyond their immediate community.

Our report also highlights the importance of involving families and communities in the educational process. Building trust and relationships with families is crucial to changing the mindset around the value of education. Schools need to work collaboratively with families to create a supportive environment that prioritizes education and development of students.

In conclusion, the future of Kentucky is in the hands of our children. By addressing these critical issues, we can create an environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. We urge you, the citizens of Kentucky, to join us in advocating for these necessary changes. Together, we can make a difference and ensure a brighter future for our students.

Thank you for your attention and support.

Sincerely,

The Appalachia Educator Alliance, Teachers of Kentucky

Dr. Emmanuel Anama-Green, Luke Glaser, Brison Harvey, Tiffany Perkins, and Allison Slone

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READ THE REPORT HERE

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Most Americans make a difference in their communities by supporting nonprofit organizations as both volunteers and donors. And let’s be honest—most of us also love a great deal! Right now, those of you who care about improving education for all Kentuckians have an opportunity to do both: Double Your Difference with a gift to the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.

Did Alexis de Tocqueville Invent Giving Tuesday?

Well, no. But since publishing Democracy in America in 1835, the United States has been an example for other nations for the central and distinctive role philanthropy can play in creating a better society. Since its launch in 2012, millions of Americans have demonstrated the same spirit that captured de Tocqueville’s attention through their participation in Giving Tuesday.  

In 2023 alone, Americans donated over $3.1 billion to nonprofit organizations on Giving Tuesday, the philanthropic equivalent of Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Giving Tuesday always falls on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, which is December 3^rd, this year.

By participating, you can join a groundswell of donors who share the Prichard Committee’s belief that a world-class education should be available to every student, ensuring economic prosperity for all Kentuckians. While we are grateful for gifts made any day of the year, on Giving Tuesday, you can be confident that you are joining a community of other like-minded donors to make a collective difference.

What Does It Mean to Double My Difference?

A small group of generous donors are making it possible for you to double the impact of your gift through the Double Your Difference Challenge. Here’s how it works:

• If you gave in 2023 and increase your donation in 2024, the Challenge will match the difference.

• For example, if you gave $100 in 2023 and give $250 in 2024, your $150 increase will be matched, making your total impact $400.

• If you didn’t give in 2023, your entire 2024 gift will be matched—doubling your impact!

The Challenge will match gifts up to a cumulative total of $50,000, so don't miss this opportunity to amplify your generosity.

How to Make Your Gift

Can I make my gift before or after Giving Tuesday?

Of course! The Double Your Difference Challenge is in effect through December 31, 2024.  

I don’t know how much I gave in 2023. How can I find out?

You can email Shawn Lyons, Vice President and Director of Philanthropy for the Prichard Committee, at shawn@prichardcommittee.org or call him at 859-227-0987 to check on your giving history.  

OK, I’m excited, how do I make my gift?

You have several options!  

• Visit the Prichard Committee’s giving page to make your gift.  

• Set up automatic monthly gifts using a credit card or bank account.

• Explore non-cash options that might have favorable tax benefits—such as appreciated stock, cryptocurrency, a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, a gift from a Donor-Advised Fund, etc.

• Mail a check payable to the Prichard Committee to: The Prichard Committee, 2285 Executive Drive, Suite 120, Lexington, KY 40505.  

• Any gift dated December 3 will count toward Giving Tuesday totals.

• All gifts postmarked by December 31 will be eligible for the Double Your Difference Challenge.

Can I direct my gift to something important to me?

Yes, you can! On our giving page, you can choose to support a specific initiative or let your gift be used where it’s most needed. You can also make your gift in memory or honor of someone.  

Is there anything else I should know?

Every gift matters, and we are profoundly grateful for your support. To demonstrate our gratitude for gifts of all sizes, we have a series of donor recognition societies that recognize all individual donors in our annual report.  

If you’re considering a lasting impact, we also invite you to explore including the Prichard Committee in your estate plans.

How Do I Know My Gift Will Have a Real Impact?

Perhaps the best way to demonstrate the impact your gift will have is to examine what the Prichard Committee has already been able to do in 2024 thanks to earlier gifts.  Here is just a partial list:

• We released an analysis of the 2026 budget proposals by the Governor and by the House and their impact on education, as well as an analysis of the final 2026 Kentucky State Budget, showing progress in several areas, but a decided lack of progress in early childhood education.

• Along with others, the Prichard Committee provided information to the legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on Education about the importance of expanding access to advanced coursework for Kentucky students.

• In August, the Prichard Committee released an in-depth analysis of the potential impact of Amendment 2 and participated in many panel conversations across the state hosted by a variety of news and educational outlets throughout the fall.  

• We highlighted innovative strategies used in seven counties to teach the durable skills that employers have repeatedly identified as critical work skills, such as communication, teamwork and collaboration.  

• We certified 83 schools and early childhood learning centers across the Commonwealth as Family Friendly Schools.

• We released findings in a report titled The State of Educational Opportunity in Kentucky examining the views of parents and guardians about educational opportunities in their communities compared to similar data from across the nation.

• We shared a report that important leading indicators show that family engagement efforts in schools across Kentucky that engaged in deep conversations with families and community members are having a positive impact.  The Kentucky Collaborative for Families and Schools, consisting of the Prichard Committee and four other partners, is leading that work.

A Final Note of Thanks  

This Giving Tuesday, join us in creating a brighter future for all Kentucky learners. Together, we can make a difference that lasts a lifetime. Thank you and happy Giving Tuesday!

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