A common concern in states and communities that are considering raising high school graduation requirements is that it is unfair to require all students to take a college-preparatory curriculum because not all students will go to college.

While it is true that some students will go directly to the workforce after high school, new research suggests that the skills needed to get and keep good jobs — both white collar and blue collar — are very similar to what colleges demand of incoming freshmen. In fact, most well-paying jobs today require an additional credential beyond a high school diploma, such as two-year and technical degrees.

See the fact sheet for more. We also have provided resources and a PowerPoint that you may download and use for your own presentations.