Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce

Preparing tomorrow’s workforce isn’t just a talking point; it’s an economic imperative that we hear repeatedly as we work with our local businesses. As industries evolve and the nature of work shifts, communities like ours must ensure that students graduate not only with diplomas but with real-world skills that translate into success.

At Vail Valley Partnership, our focus is on building a stronger community by connecting education, workforce development, and economic growth. That’s why we proudly endorse and support a new opportunity in partnership with the College Board and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: the development of the new AP Business Principles/Personal Finance course.

This isn’t your typical classroom course. It’s an innovative, forward-looking program that gives students practical knowledge in business basics and personal finance, preparing them for college credit and career success.

We’ve all heard it: employers can’t find workers with the right skills, and students aren’t graduating prepared for today’s job market. This course aims to bridge that gap. It teaches students how businesses operate, how decisions are made, and – crucially - how to manage their finances. These aren’t just academic lessons; they’re life skills. Whether students pursue a business degree, liberal arts education, or enter the workforce straight away, they’ll be better prepared thanks to this program. It’s a win for local businesses, families, and our overall economic resilience.

The AP designation means students can earn college credit, saving families money and reducing time-to-degree. But it also offers more. The course qualifies as a Career Kickstart (CK) program, developed with input from business leaders and aligned with what companies seek in job candidates. Students completing this course aren’t just learning—they’re building a resume. For school districts needing to fulfill personal finance graduation requirements (now mandated in Colorado through HB25-1192 starting with the 2027-28 school year), this course satisfies that requirement too. It’s a triple win: college credit, workforce readiness, and essential financial literacy, all in one.

Unlike traditional high school courses, AP Business Principles and Personal Finance uses project-based learning. Students won’t just read about business; they’ll create a Business Canvas Project and complete a Financial Advisor Simulation. They’ll analyze real cases, solve actual problems, and develop entrepreneurial skills. That’s not just engaging—it’s empowering. These are the skills our kids need and our employers demand.

Of course, the success of this program relies on community support. Local business leaders can help bring it to life by mentoring students, offering internships, sharing insights with educators, and providing real-world feedback on curriculum development. By supporting this course, we’re investing in a pipeline of job-ready, financially literate young people who understand how business works because they’ve practiced it. For these reasons, our economic development advisory council and board of governors are excited to bring this program to Eagle County.

We’ve long supported innovation in education. This is an opportunity for our community to lead. Imagine a high school graduate in Eagle County who understands balance sheets, can pitch a business idea, and has a plan for saving for college or retirement. That’s not just a better student— that’s a stronger future employee, entrepreneur, and community member.

The AP Business Principles/Personal Finance course will launch nationwide in the 2026–2027 school year (a year before Colorado’s requirement). Let’s ensure Eagle County not only participates but leads the way. We encourage our school district, local employers, and community partners to join us. Together, we can prepare tomorrow’s workforce today.

Chris Romer is president & CEO of Vail Valley Partnership, a three-time national chamber of the year. Learn more at VailValleyPartnership.com