Missouri is one of six states selected to participate in a new national education initiative to better prepare students for today's jobs.
Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris L. Nicastro revealed Tuesday Missouri has been chosen to become a part of the Pathways to Prosperity Project created by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Jobs for the Future and five other participating states.
The aim of the program is to link educators with employers to develop realistic training that creates graduates who meet qualifications for today's jobs.
The five other states chosen to participate in the national initiative are Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina and Tennessee.
Nicastro said Missouri educators have come to realize they are failing to meet the needs of youngsters going through Missouri's education system.
"The need for such an initiative is significant," Nicastro said. "For every 100 Missouri ninth graders, only 21 students will eventually earn a four-year college degree."