Future Ready by Design
From Classroom to Career
A national effort led by the National Charter Schools Institute, supported by a federal Charter Schools Program Model Development & Dissemination Grant (2025–2028)
Redesigning the Path from Classroom to Career
Future Ready by Design is a three-year national effort to scale workforce-driven, academically rigorous charter school models that prepare students for what comes next, whether that path leads to college, careers, or both.
Across the country, students are graduating into a rapidly changing economy while millions of well-paying jobs remain unfilled. At the same time, families and employers are calling for education systems that offer clearer, more relevant pathways to opportunity. Future Ready by Design exists to close this gap by transforming how schools are designed, authorized, and scaled.
This work goes beyond isolated programs or pilots. It codifies what works, builds practical tools for the field, and activates cross-sector partnerships so more students graduate with real skills, real options, and real momentum into adulthood.
How We're Preparing Students for Success
Educators, families, employers, and policymakers are asking the same urgent question: How do we ensure students leave high school truly prepared for life after graduation? Future Ready by Design is here to help solve this.
6 States Leading the Way
This work begins in—and is shaped by—six leadership states: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Florida, Idaho, and Colorado
Across these states, we are elevating local innovation, strengthening cross-sector partnerships, and highlighting what is already working—so others can learn, adapt, and replicate.
Together, these states serve as national beacons, demonstrating what’s possible when education and workforce systems align.
Why This Matters
This work is about more than programs or pathways. It’s about ensuring more students, especially those furthest from opportunity, graduate with:
- Clear direction
- Meaningful skills
- Multiple postsecondary options
By aligning schools, authorizers, families, and employers, Future Ready by Design is helping build a future where career-connected learning is not optional—it’s expected.
Connect with this Work
Future Ready by Design is a national effort—and it requires national collaboration. Whether you’re a state leader, authorizer, school network, employer, or partner organization, there is a role to play in shaping the future of career-connected education.
Interested in partnering, learning more, or bringing this work to your state? Connect with us!
