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The article discusses a 2011 report from the Harvard University School of Education’s Pathways to Prosperity Project titled "Pathways to Prosperity: Meeting the Challenge of Preparing Young Americans for the 21st Century," which claims that U.S. students are not equipped for college or careers because schools focus on preparing them only for four-year colleges instead of offering alternatives. The report suggests that high schools provide career counseling, both by hiring school counselors and by helping students find mentors in their field of interest. It also suggests that schools provide information on vocational colleges, associates programs, and technology centers. The report offers examples of European educational policies that U.S. schools can use in their own programs.

The article discusses a study done on college dropouts by nonprofit research organization Public Agenda titled "One Degree of Separation: How Young Americans Who Don’t Finish College See Their Chances for Success." The study researched low-income U.S. students' opportunity gaps, and found that students who do not graduate from college were more likely to come from low-income families. The study found that students were doubtful of the job prospects for people who have earned four-year degrees, and see educational financial aid as a risky investment. The article recommends trying to find out why more students don't apply for grants and scholarships, fixing the high school counseling system, and encouraging part-time attendance.

The article discusses the importance of teachers showing students how to be good workers by demonstrating good work habits themselves, expecting hard work and academic achievement from their students, and by encouraging them to imagine themselves as working adults. The author describes a third grade teacher in an urban school who encouraged her students by respecting them, setting high standards for them, and helping them plan career and educational paths to the jobs they want. She claims that encouraging students to think about the future will motivate them to prepare for careers and college, contribute to society, and find academic and career opportunities.

An article presents statistics from the Pew Research Center on the attitudes of U.S. young people regarding career advancement, career satisfaction, and having to move back in with their parents.