--- title: Transforming Public Schools to Drive Economic Mobility | Our Strategy description: Explore TNTP’s plan for transforming public schools to drive economic mobility and prepare 50 million students for meaningful work. image: https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/TNTP%20Strategic%20Plan%20(5).jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://impact.tntp.org/strategic-plan#main-content) [![TNTP logo\_full color](https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/TNTP%20logo_full%20color.svg) ![TNTP logo\_full color](https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/TNTP%20logo_full%20color.svg) ![TNTP logo\_full color](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNTP%20logo_full%20color.png?width=100&height=33&name=TNTP%20logo_full%20color.png) ![TNTP logo\_full color](https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/TNTP%20logo_full%20color.svg)](https://tntp.org/) - [About Us](https://tntp.org/about/) - [What We Do](https://tntp.org/what-we-do/) - [Our Impact](https://tntp.org/impact/) - [Research and Insights](https://tntp.org/research-insights/) - [Tools](https://tntp.org/tools/) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [About Us](https://tntp.org/about/) - [What We Do](https://tntp.org/what-we-do/) - [Our Impact](https://tntp.org/impact/) - [Research and Insights](https://tntp.org/research-insights/) - [Tools](https://tntp.org/tools/) # 50 Million Futures ## Preparing young people for meaningful work and meaningful lives by 2035 TNTP’s Strategy to Transform America’s Public School System  [Read the Full Plan](https://tntp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/American-Public-Schools-and-the-Great-Opportunity.pdf?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=strat-prio-full-list) - ![Two high school students and their teacher work intently using electronic equipment](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/iStock-1455946567.jpg?width=1254&height=836&name=iStock-1455946567.jpg) - ![Students stand on a stage in front of an American flag shouting with enthusiasm](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman134.JPG.jpg?width=900&height=600&name=TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman134.JPG.jpg) - ![Two teachers lead their third-grade students through a math lesson](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Capitol_Hill044.jpg.jpg?width=1000&height=667&name=Capitol_Hill044.jpg.jpg)   Why This Plan Now?   # The Social Contract is Broken   For generations, the promise was simple: work hard, get an education, build a better life. Today, that promise is broken. Mobility has dropped by nearly 50% in just two generations. The consequences land hardest on students our systems have long underserved—but no one’s children are exempt.   ![A line chart starting high and sloping quickly downwards.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/mobility-chart.png?width=1634&height=1099&name=mobility-chart.png "A line chart starting high and sloping quickly downwards.") ### 31 percent of 8th graders scored at or above Proficient in Reading. ### 26 percent of 8th graders scored at or above Proficient in Math. ### 30 percent of young people report feeling prepared for their chosen path. ### 34 percent of students who believe they'll graduate ready for the job market. ### The gap between access and capability is the most urgent challenge facing education today. Young people are earning degrees and diplomas at record rates. But too many graduate unable to secure meaningful work or build the lives they want. Not just because they lack academic preparation—but because they're missing other essential ingredients: future-ready skills, connections that open doors, and guidance to navigate critical decisions.   Access to rigorous academics remains essential. College matters enormously. But today’s world also demands capability: applying learning in new situations, exercising judgement in the face of ambiguity, and adapting as circumstances change.  [Take a deeper look](http://thegreatopportunity.tntp.org) at how we understand the demands of this moment. #### Our Goal # **Fifty million young people with real economic security and agency.** That's nearly every young person entering the workforce over the next decade. This isn’t just an organizational goal—it’s a generational imperative. If we succeed, we reshape what’s possible for all young people for decades to come. ### Our strategy brings together access and capability, at a national scale. Grounded in nearly 30 years of impact and deep partnerships, our work reflects sustained engagement—decades spent inside classrooms, districts, communities, and state systems. ### 4500 systems ### 35000 schools ### 39 states ### 28 years - ![Two students cheer, lifting their hands as they sit at their laptops in a colorful classroom.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Coherence_1-1.png?width=600&height=400&name=Coherence_1-1.png) - ![Education leaders gesture with their hands as they sit at a conference table.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/PhoenixRoundtable_Hill_060_preview%20(3).jpg?width=1600&height=1067&name=PhoenixRoundtable_Hill_060_preview%20(3).jpg) - ![Students smile as they work on their tablets.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/DesertOasis_Hill-9610_preview%20(3).jpg?width=1600&height=1067&name=DesertOasis_Hill-9610_preview%20(3).jpg) - ![Seven teachers look engaged as they sit in front of bright windows.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/BCTR%20Resident%20Interactions%20-%2025_preview.jpg?width=1600&height=1067&name=BCTR%20Resident%20Interactions%20-%2025_preview.jpg)   How We'll Get There   ## Three Strategic Priorities Lasting change requires supporting students directly, strengthening the systems around them, and aligning national priorities. We work across all three levels at once—thriving learners, thriving ecosystems, and a thriving nation—because they are interdependent. ### Building a Coherent Student Experience **The Challenge: Misalignment and Competing Priorities** Students are getting mixed messages. They learn foundational skills in core classes and different topics in intervention. Classroom learning feels disconnected from their long-term goals. The result? Fragmented learning that leaves students falling behind academically and emerging from K-12 without clear pathways into their chosen careers. **What's Possible**  What if every classroom, every intervention, every support worked together? When instruction aligns, students understand what's expected. Learning feels relevant and connected to their futures. Students explore careers and build real-world skills as part of their normal school day—not as separate add-ons. Teachers aren’t constantly troubleshooting disconnects. Achievement gaps narrow because students experience rigorous, coherent learning that builds academic mastery, mobility, and capability simultaneously. **How TNTP Helps** We've spent nearly three decades building systems where policy, classroom practice, and support align—working at every level to ensure instruction, interventions, and supports all pull in the same direction. [Learn more about our Instructional Coherence Services.](https://tntp.org/instructional-coherence-services/) [Read the Strategy](https://tntp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/American-Public-Schools-and-the-Great-Opportunity.pdf?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=strat-prio-full-list#page=9) ![A teacher gives the thumbs up to a student as they sit together in a bright classroom](https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/DSC09518.jpg "A teacher gives the thumbs up to a student as they sit together in a bright classroom") #### Case Study #### A Scalable Model for Literacy Gains in Knox County, TN TNTP partnered with Knox County to pilot a new reading intervention model that grouped students by specific skill needs and anchored instruction in Tier I‑aligned materials. The approach created greater consistency for students and teachers. Students gained two extra months of learning in one year, with strong support from educators and leaders. By aligning district policy and classroom practice, Knox County offers a scalable roadmap for improving reading outcomes. [Hear from Knox County Leaders](https://tntp.org/event/coherence-by-design-webinar/) ### Bridging the Gap Between Education and Career **The Challenge: Disconnected Systems Leave Students Unprepared**   Most students graduate without a clear sense of what's next. Some go to college unprepared. Others enter the workforce without skills employers need. The gap between what’s taught and what the world demands leaves too many young people underemployed or out of work entirely.  This isn't because schools aren't trying. The infrastructure to better connect education and career doesn't yet exist. K-12, higher education, and employers rarely collaborate, let alone build integrated pathways. **What's Possible**  What if students could better connect learning to real career opportunities? What if they graduated with credentials, skills, and actual work experience—not just a diploma? When education and career pathways align, students are far better prepared for high-wage, high-skill careers. **How TNTP Helps**  We help bring together the three sectors that must collaborate for pathways to work: K-12 schools, colleges, and employers. We help design career-connected learning that blends rigorous academics with real internships, industry-recognized credentials, and employer partnerships. And we help states and districts build the policies and data infrastructure needed for sustainable change. ![TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093.jpg "TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093") #### Case Study #### Expanding Students' Career Pathways at Alton High School, IL Alton High School partnered with TNTP to redesign career‑connected learning so students graduate ready for high‑wage, high‑demand careers. Together with educators, industry partners, and community leaders, the district created new pathways aligned to local workforce needs. Programs in engineering, cybersecurity, automotive technology, biomedicine, and architectural design integrate rigorous coursework, real workplace experiences, and state‑recognized endorsements. The result: clearer options, stronger preparation, and expanded opportunities for every student. ![A high school student stands at a podium speaking into a microphone](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=TNTP-Albuquerque24-Silliman093.jpg "A high school student stands at a podium speaking into a microphone") #### Case Study #### Expanding Students' Career Pathways at Alton High School, IL Alton High School partnered with TNTP to redesign career‑connected learning so students graduate ready for high‑wage, high‑demand careers. Together with educators, industry partners, and community leaders, Alton High School created new pathways aligned to local workforce needs. Programs in engineering, cybersecurity, automotive technology, biomedicine, and architectural design integrate rigorous coursework, real workplace experiences, and state‑recognized endorsements. The result: clearer options, stronger preparation, and expanded opportunities for every student. ### Bridging the Gap Between Education and Career **The Challenge: Disconnected Systems Leave Students Unprepared**   Most students graduate without a clear sense of what's next. Some go to college unprepared. Others enter the workforce without skills employers need. The gap between what’s taught and what the world demands leaves too many young people underemployed or out of work entirely.  This isn't because schools aren't trying. The infrastructure to better connect education and career doesn't yet exist. K-12, higher education, and employers rarely collaborate, let alone build integrated pathways. **What's Possible**  What if students could better connect learning to real career opportunities? What if they graduated with credentials, skills, and actual work experience—not just a diploma? When education and career pathways align, students are far better prepared for high-wage, high-skill careers. **How TNTP Helps**  We help bring together the three sectors that must collaborate for pathways to work: K-12 schools, colleges, and employers. We help design career-connected learning that blends rigorous academics with real internships, industry-recognized credentials, and employer partnerships. And we help states and districts build the policies and data infrastructure needed for sustainable change. [Read the Strategy](https://tntp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/American-Public-Schools-and-the-Great-Opportunity.pdf?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=strat-prio-full-list#page=12) ### Harnessing AI for Human Potential **The Challenge: Fragmentation and Widening Gaps** Technology in schools often creates more confusion: disconnected apps, data scattered across platforms, tools that slow teachers down. Some students get personalized support; others lack access. The result is greater incoherence and widening achievement gaps. **What's Possible** AI can change this—but only if it's used purposefully. The right AI tools give teachers better insights into student learning and help personalize support at scale. AI accelerates learning by adapting to each student's pace and needs, providing real-time feedback, and helping teachers close gaps before they widen. Coaching becomes more targeted. Systems connect instruction, data, and student experience. And students develop fluency with technologies transforming today’s workforce. **How TNTP Helps** We apply AI to strengthen what research shows works: coherent instruction, personalized support, high-quality coaching, and career-connected learning. We use AI to accelerate learning and close gaps, adapting to individual needs while maintaining coherence. We ensure that AI complements the critical role educators play. And we use AI responsibly—solving real problems, not chasing trends. [Read the Strategy](https://tntp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/American-Public-Schools-and-the-Great-Opportunity.pdf?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=strat-prio-full-list#page=15) ![A smiling teacher sits at a desk typing on a laptop.](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Emerson_Hill_020-2.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=Emerson_Hill_020-2.jpg "A smiling teacher sits at a desk typing on a laptop.") #### Case Study #### Using AI to Strengthen Coaching with Indianapolis Teaching Fellows This pilot explores how AI tools can complement—not replace—human coaching by offering actionable feedback that deepens collaboration among early‑career educators. Now in its third iteration with the Indianapolis Teaching Fellows, teachers record lessons on the Sibme platform, and the AI model analyzes patterns in movement, student voices, and rubric‑aligned instruction. Peer‑learning sessions use shared AI‑generated data to support consistent instructional growth. The pilot frees coaching capacity and shows how AI can responsibly enhance coaching and expand access to high‑quality support. [See More Work in Action](https://tntp.org/case-studies) [Explore a Partnership](https://tntp.org/bring-tntp-to-your-system/) # Measuring What Matters You can’t transform what you can’t measure. We’re designing data systems that strengthen TNTP’s accountability to our mission and help the entire sector understand what drives mobility.   ![2023\_05-New Heights Academy 0336](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2023_05-New%20Heights%20Academy%200336.jpg?width=6000&height=4000&name=2023_05-New%20Heights%20Academy%200336.jpg)   ### TNTP's Student Mobility Experiences Survey This first-of-its-kind survey measures student experiences and capabilities over time, providing a clear picture of how young people grow and thrive. ### Mobility Research Lab Our lab analyzes longitudinal data and generates actionable insights, advancing research that helps the field understand what works. ### Progress Monitoring and Continuous Improvement We track leading indicators—e.g., whether students access rigorous instruction, participate in career pathways, build networks, receive personalized guidance—and then help systems make real-time adjustments. We also track long-term outcomes to confirm impact and ensure interventions scale equitably.   ### Cross-Sector Data Integration We connect data across education, workforce, and community sectors to reveal how various factors work together to create opportunity—guiding smarter, more strategic investments. ## Measuring What Matters We’re designing longitudinal data systems for the field that will strengthen not only TNTP’s accountability to our mission but also the entire sector’s ability to understand the multi-dimensional drivers of mobility and pursue evidence-based investments. TNTP’s new measurement tools include: A new **Mobility Research Lab,** whichwill codify longitudinal data and scale actionable insights, serving as a hub for innovation and learning. A first-of-its-kind **Student Mobility Experiences Survey** to measure student experiences and capabilities over time. **Synthesized data across sectors** connecting education, workforce, and community factors to understand the multi-dimensional drivers of mobility and guide evidence-based investments. ![2023\_05-New Heights Academy 0336](https://impact.tntp.org/hs-fs/hubfs/2023_05-New%20Heights%20Academy%200336.jpg?width=2000&height=1333&name=2023_05-New%20Heights%20Academy%200336.jpg "2023_05-New Heights Academy 0336") ## Why TNTP Fifty million young people are counting on us. We're committed to helping them build brighter futures. **Deep Research & Expertise**  We combine rigorous research, policy expertise, and hands-on consulting to ensure young people have multiple pathways to economic and social mobility.  [Explore Our Research](https://tntp.org/publications/) **Proven Track Record**  Our track record shows we know how to transform systems—and we're ready to do it again, at scale.  [Discover Our Impact](https://tntp.org/impact/) **Built for Collaborative Impact**  Our credibility is built on decades of trusted relationships and helping our partners deliver results for young people. [See Our Work In Action](https://tntp.org/case-studies/) **Deep Research & Expertise**  We combine rigorous research, policy expertise, and hands-on consulting to ensure young people have multiple pathways to economic and social mobility.  **Proven Track Record**  Our track record shows we know how to transform systems—and we're ready to do it again, at scale.  **Built for Collaborative Impact**  Our credibility is built on decades of trusted relationships and helping our partners deliver results for young people. [Explore Our Research](https://tntp.org/publications/) [Discover Our Impact](https://tntp.org/impact/) [See Our Work In Action](https://tntp.org/case-studies/) ## Be Part of the Movement Transformation doesn't happen alone. We need educators, leaders, and advocates who understand the urgency and are ready to act. The full plan shows exactly how to get there—and how you can be part of it. [Read the Full Plan](https://tntp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/American-Public-Schools-and-the-Great-Opportunity.pdf?utm_source=web&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=strat-prio-full-list) [![TNTP-logo\_full-color-white](https://impact.tntp.org/hubfs/TNTP-logo_full-color-white.svg)](https://tntp.org/)