Jared Polis, Chair of the National Governors Association | https://www.nga.org/governors/ngaleadership/
Former National Governors Association (NGA) Chair and Colorado Governor Jared Polis has introduced a new Education Roadmap for Governors, following his yearlong Let’s Get Ready! initiative. The roadmap was created with input from educators, parents, students, researchers, and community and business leaders through national meetings focused on academic foundations, workforce preparedness, civic engagement, and lifelong well-being.
The initiative aims to help governors and states promote innovation in education, evaluate effective practices, and prepare students for future success in the workforce. During its development, the project sought solutions that support learners at all educational stages.
Melissa Chabran of The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation stated: “The Hewlett Foundation is proud to support the Roadmap. Civic learning and engagement are such important parts of preparing students for success in the classroom, in their careers and in our communities. We look forward to continued collaboration with governors to make sure every student has access to experiences that equip them with the knowledge, skills and mindsets they need to support their individual successes and our collective good.”
David Coleman, CEO of College Board, said: “Let’s Get Ready is an idea whose time has come – our young people can do so much more, and there are jobs we need to fill. High school students need courses and credentials for the careers they seek. College Board stands behind Governor Polis, NGA, and state leaders to deliver opportunity.”
Dr. Shanika Hope of Google added: “Google is committed to helping everyone access the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. AI literacy is essential for preparing individuals for future success. That’s why we’re pleased to be part of the Let’s Get Ready Roadmap. Education and workforce training programs play a crucial role in helping learners and educators use AI tools to achieve their goals. The Let’s Get Ready Roadmap reinforces the importance of preparing learners for the future of work. We commend the governors for their vision, and we look forward to working together to ensure the opportunities of the AI era are widely shared.”
Amy Loyd from All4Ed commented: “All4Ed applauds the release of the Roadmap, but we know the work of Let’s Get Ready is far from over. At All4Ed, we are dedicated to advancing policies and practices that ensure all students graduate high school prepared for college, work, and life. That work must start with evaluating and measuring how well our schools are preparing their students, particularly those furthest from opportunity, for success in today’s world. We look forward to continuing to work with governors to use this Roadmap to transform and improve our education system, from the classroom to Congress.”
Stephen Moret at Strada Education Foundation noted: “Strada Education Foundation is proud to support the National Governors Association’s Let’s Get Ready initiative. At a time when states are navigating rapid economic and technological change, this effort reflects the kind of bold, bipartisan leadership needed to prepare more Americans for success after high school. By focusing on clear, actionable strategies to align education and workforce systems, NGA is helping to ensure that all learners especially those learners facing the greatest challenges can access opportunity and thrive in the evolving economy. We are excited to be a partner in this important work.”
Maggie Reeves from Urban Institute said: “I’m thrilled we could contribute both research and practical recommendations to the Roadmap. The Student Upward Mobility Initiative strives to ensure students leave high school with the skills they need to succeed. By equipping policymakers with research-backed indicators to plan set goals,and track progress,we are eager continue collaborating with governors ensure every student is prepared thrive.”
Governor Polis presented this roadmap during last week’s NGA Summer Meeting in Colorado Springs where he led discussions among governors nationwide as well as fireside chats with entrepreneur Mark Cubanand Education Secretary Linda McMahon.
The roadmap aims not only at defining readiness but also at improving how it is measured across states.Accordingly,the NGA will launch a project later this year intendedto help governors advance these priorities while developing dashboards designed track outcomes.
For more details or access full document visit NGA's website.