The Future Wyoming Workforce Is Sitting in a Classroom Right Now

Cassie Kelley
2 days ago
3 min read

Ask any Wyoming employer what keeps them up at night and workforce is almost always on the list. Finding qualified, job-ready employees is a challenge that cuts across every industry in our state — from construction and agriculture to healthcare and technology. The pipeline of work-ready talent has been a problem for years, and a new national initiative is taking direct aim at it — starting where it matters most, in the classroom. Wyoming businesses and community members have a direct role to play in making it happen here.

The Problem in Plain Numbers

According to a survey of 500 hiring managers by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board, 84% say most high school graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce. On top of that, 92% say there should be more business courses taught in high school. And yet the majority of high school students today are not going directly to college after graduation — meaning the gap between what students learn and what employers need is landing squarely on Main Street.

The good news is that 90% of those same hiring managers believe a new AP course launching in the 2026-27 school year will positively impact workforce readiness.

What Is AP Career Kickstart?

AP Career Kickstart is a new initiative from the College Board — the same organization behind the Advanced Placement courses many Wyoming students already take for college credit. The program brings that same academic rigor into career-focused learning, beginning with two courses: AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity.

These aren't just electives. The courses are shaped by leading employers including CompTIA, Oracle, IBM, and U.S. Bank, and students who complete them walk away with both college credit potential and industry-recognized credentials. Nearly 400 employers and 75 local chambers across 40 states have already endorsed the program. The courses launch nationwide for the 2026-27 school year.

Why It Matters for Wyoming

Wyoming's workforce challenges are not going away on their own. With major projects underway across the state — from data centers in Cheyenne to energy development across the region — the demand for skilled workers is only growing. Building that pipeline locally, starting in our own high schools, is one of the most practical long-term investments our business community can make.

Beyond the big projects, every Wyoming small business that has struggled to find a qualified entry-level hire has a stake in this. Financial literacy, critical thinking, communication, and business fundamentals are exactly what employers say they need — and exactly what these courses are designed to deliver.

How Wyoming Businesses and Community Members Can Get Involved

This is where the Chamber's role comes in. The U.S. Chamber has developed a full toolkit for businesses and chambers to help bring these courses to local school districts. You do not need to be an educator or policy expert to make a difference here. Showing up, speaking up, and connecting with your local school leaders is enough to start the conversation.

The resources below are free, ready to use, and designed for exactly this purpose.

Get Involved

Wyoming's business community has a real role to play in making career-ready education happen here. You don't need to be a policy expert or an educator to make a difference. Here are some practical ways to get involved:

Show up at a school board meeting — Introduce yourself as a local employer and let the board know workforce readiness matters to your business. A few minutes of public comment from the business community carries weight.
Reach out to your local school principal or superintendent — Express interest in partnering on career exploration opportunities like classroom speakers, job shadows, or workplace tours.
Talk about what you need — Share with educators what skills matter most in your industry. That conversation directly shapes what gets taught.
Support work-based learning — Consider opening your business to student internships, mentorships, or career days.

For Further Reading

New Hire Readiness Report 2025 — The full research report from the U.S. Chamber and College Board on what hiring managers say about entry-level workforce preparedness.

AP Career Kickstart — Learn more about the courses, credentials, and how schools can get involved directly through the College Board. Click Here