ESG’s blog is a place to share what we have learned from our projects, our education and leadership experiences, and perspectives on how to improve student success. Expect insightful commentary from the ESG team that highlights promising practices from states and communities, and is designed to make connections and spur deeper conversation. Breaking down barriers and siloes within the nation’s K-12, postsecondary and workforce systems begins with getting everyone talking.
Monday, August 24, 2026
We’re excited to share this guest post from Chris Jones, CTE Director, Lauderdale County Schools. ESG is proud to be supporting work with Tennessee districts to develop career pathways in advanced manufacturing and prepare students for in-demand, high-wage careers in...
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Skills and credentials will only take young people so far as they enter the modern workforce. It will be their network —mentors who give advice, supervisors who serve as champions, and acquaintances who open doors—that will have an outsized impact...
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
We’re excited to share this guest post from Kimberly Yeiter, CTE Director and Technology Coordinator, Dyersburg City Schools. ESG is proud to be supporting work with Tennessee districts to develop career pathways in advanced manufacturing and prepare students for in-demand,...
Thursday, June 18, 2026
Work-based learning (WBL) has rapidly moved from a “nice to have” program to a core workforce priority for state leaders. This has generated significant conversation and exploration around the supports and infrastructures needed for experiences like internships and apprenticeships, but...
Thursday, May 21, 2026
You get a policy! And you get a policy! Everyone gets a policy! Please tell me you got this reference to Oprah’s iconic “Everyone gets a car!” moment. I’m sorry to tell you that I have zero cars for you,...
Wednesday, April 8, 2026
For years, the conversation around college access was focused on the “front door.” But for a student navigating the modern landscape, that door is often hidden behind a maze of disconnected applications, complex financial aid forms, and siloed advising systems....
Thursday, April 2, 2026
When my daughter, Ayanna, turned 14 and finished middle school last summer, I signed her up for a career exploration summer camp against her will. Yup, that’s right. I was a mom on a mission. My creative, hands-on kid who...
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Over the past few months, ESG has tested out a new approach to user-centered design: putting the process of creating tools and resources in the hands of those who will use them. From the start of the Accelerate ED initiative...
Thursday, January 8, 2026
2025 marked a year of profound change to the national education system. The redistribution of key Department of Education functions to different federal agencies has been described as an effort to give greater agency and more resources back to states....
Thursday, December 18, 2025
As efforts to build clearer pathways from education into the workforce take root across the country, some leaders are finding that this work is best accomplished at the regional level. Collaborating as a region can be the “sweet spot” for...
Friday, December 5, 2025
This is the third post in our “Building Gateways Through Admissions Redesign” series. Please make sure to also check out our recent spotlights on Washington and Tennessee.
Monday, November 17, 2025
In 2025, Lumina Foundation set an ambitious goal: by 2040, 75 percent of adults in the U.S. labor force will hold a college degree or other credential of value leading to economic prosperity. Subsequently, the organization launched FutureReady States. This...