Closing The Middle Skills Gap

Download Closing The Middle Skills Gap full books in PDF, epub, and Kindle. Read online Closing The Middle Skills Gap ebook anywhere anytime directly on your device. Fast Download speed and no annoying ads. We cannot guarantee that every ebooks is available!

Closing the Middle Skills Gap

Author : Christian R. Lund
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 306 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (13 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Closing the Middle Skills Gap by : Christian R. Lund

Download or read book Closing the Middle Skills Gap written by Christian R. Lund and published by . This book was released on 2021 with total page 306 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many middle skills jobs and career opportunities are currently unfilled in the United States due to a lack of qualified candidates (Rios-Aguilar, et al., 2019). Federal laws mandate individual state workforce boards, consisting of employers and government and education officials, manage workforce training and education policies and practices at the local level. There is a wide variation in the levels of success being achieved by states towards closing the gap between eligible candidates and available job openings (Giloth, 2020). This study’s purpose was to identify best practices being utilized by workforce organizations to close the middle skills gap. This study focused on state higher education and workforce professionals and their practices used to ensure community colleges offer programs that meet employer needs. This study was guided by the following research question: How do stakeholders describe the ways they align community college degree curricula, workforce training, and credential programs with the workforce needs of employers? A qualitative descriptive study was undertaken using interviews (N=10) and document analysis of relevant state workforce training and education policy documents (N=30). Utilizing this approach, one member from each of four stakeholder groups from three states representing different United States Census regions was interviewed. Document analysis was conducted on relevant workforce development documents from each interviewee’s state program. Interview and document data were analyzed using the thematic strategies of Boyatzis (1998). Five themes emerged from integrated data: systemic partnerships, data are critical, new programs and approaches, strategic planning and decision making, and the value of committed leadership. These findings suggest 1) generally accepted management practices are used in addressing the skills gap, 2) stakeholders are using new and existing programs to maximize the credentials of value being issued, and 3) partnerships must be addressed, managed, and conducted in a systematic manner. The results of this study may identify successful workforce development organizations and best practices that could be emulated or adopted by other practitioners nationwide. These practices may be used to provide additional tools to aid in the training and education of prospective employees to fill gaps in middle skills occupations in other states.

Job U

Author : Nicholas Wyman
Publisher : Crown Currency
ISBN 13 : 0804140790
Total Pages : 290 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (41 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Job U by : Nicholas Wyman

Download or read book Job U written by Nicholas Wyman and published by Crown Currency. This book was released on 2015-01-13 with total page 290 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Get ready to relearn everything you thought you knew about what a successful career path can look like. Today, unemployment hovers at a near-record high, yet 3.5 million American jobs remain unfilled. Why? Because companies simply cannot find people with the skills they actually need. The good news is that this skills gap represents unprecedented opportunities for every person seeking a successful and exciting career. But these opportunities can’t be found inside the walls of the traditional classroom. Instead, they lie in the myriad of educational options that provide the technical, vocational, and soft skills on demand in today’s workplace, such as: -Professional certifications: Start your career faster in fields like bioscience aviation, culinary arts, and medical technology. -Associates degrees: Increase earning potential through inexpensive 2-year programs in subjects like civil engineering, environmental science, education, and nursing. -Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn under the direct supervision of a skilled expert. Far beyond the artisan trades, today’s apprenticeships can be found at companies like Volkswagen and Siemens. -Occupational learning: Refresh or reboot your skill sets through on-the-job training or online education. In Job U, you’ll learn about these paths to rewarding occupations; where to find them and how to parlay them into the best paying job in any field. And along the way, you’ll meet individuals of all ages who have attained their “dream jobs” through a non-traditional education: from an emergency air paramedic, to a lead mechanic of a racecar team, to an engineer of complex gas turbine generators, to a bestselling cookbook author. Whether you are recent high school or college graduate, or well along in your career journey, Job U will help you find your way to a more secure and prosperous future.

The U.S. Technology Skills Gap

Author : Gary J. Beach
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118660447
Total Pages : 242 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (186 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The U.S. Technology Skills Gap by : Gary J. Beach

Download or read book The U.S. Technology Skills Gap written by Gary J. Beach and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-07-10 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Is a widening “skills gap” in science and math education threatening America’s future? That is the seminal question addressed in The U.S. Technology Skills Gap, a comprehensive 104-year review of math and science education in America. Some claim this “skills gap” is “equivalent to a permanent national recession” while others cite how the gap threatens America’s future economic, workforce employability and national security. This much is sure: America’s math and science skills gap is, or should be, an issue of concern for every business and information technology executive in the United States and The U.S Technology Skills Gap is the how-to-get involved guidebook for those executives laying out in a compelling chronologic format: The history of the science and math skills gap in America Explanation of why decades of astute warnings were ignored Inspiring examples of private company efforts to supplement public education A pragmatic 10-step action plan designed to solve the problem And a tantalizing theory of an obscure Japanese physicist that suggests America’s days as the global scientific leader are numbered Engaging and indispensable, The U.S. Technology Skills Gap is essential reading for those eager to see America remain a relevant global power in innovation and invention in the years ahead.

American Competitiveness Worldwide

Author : United States. Congress. House. Committee on Small Business. Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Capital Access, and Tax
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 112 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (55 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis American Competitiveness Worldwide by : United States. Congress. House. Committee on Small Business. Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Capital Access, and Tax

Download or read book American Competitiveness Worldwide written by United States. Congress. House. Committee on Small Business. Subcommittee on Economic Growth, Capital Access, and Tax and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 112 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Messy Middle

Author : Scott Belsky
Publisher : Penguin
ISBN 13 : 0735218080
Total Pages : 416 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (352 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Messy Middle by : Scott Belsky

Download or read book The Messy Middle written by Scott Belsky and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2018-10-02 with total page 416 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: NATIONAL BESTSELLER NAMED ONE OF THE MOST INSPIRING BOOKS OF 2018 BY INC. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST STARTUP BOOKS OF ALL TIME BY BOOKAUTHORITY The Messy Middle is the indispensable guide to navigating the volatility of new ventures and leading bold creative projects by Scott Belsky, bestselling author, entrepreneur, Chief Product Officer at Adobe, and product advisor to many of today's top start-ups. Creating something from nothing is an unpredictable journey. The first mile births a new idea into existence, and the final mile is all about letting go. We love talking about starts and finishes, even though the middle stretch is the most important and often the most ignored and misunderstood. Broken into three sections with 100+ lessons, this no-nonsense book will help you: • Endure the roller coaster of successes and failures by strengthening your resolve, embracing the long-game, and short-circuiting your reward system to get to the finish line. • Optimize what’s working so you can improve the way you hire, better manage your team, and meet your customers’ needs. • Finish strong and avoid the pitfalls many entrepreneurs make, so you can overcome resistance, exit gracefully, and continue onto your next creative endeavor with ease. With insightful interviews from today’s leading entrepreneurs, artists, writers, and executives, as well as Belsky’s own experience working with companies like Airbnb, Pinterest, Uber, and sweetgreen, The Messy Middle will outfit you to find your way through the hardest parts of any bold project or new venture.

Building Resiliency in Higher Education: Globalization, Digital Skills, and Student Wellness

Author : Kayyali, Mustafa
Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 551 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (693 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Building Resiliency in Higher Education: Globalization, Digital Skills, and Student Wellness by : Kayyali, Mustafa

Download or read book Building Resiliency in Higher Education: Globalization, Digital Skills, and Student Wellness written by Kayyali, Mustafa and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2024-04-22 with total page 551 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the dynamic landscape of higher education, institutions face a myriad of challenges that threaten to inhibit their ability to nurture the leaders of tomorrow effectively. Academia is navigating new challenges, including the pressures of globalization, the complexities of digital transformation and the imperative of fostering diversity and inclusion. The need for innovative solutions and strategic approaches to these challenges has never been more pressing. Building Resiliency in Higher Education: Globalization, Digital Skills, and Student Wellness offers a comprehensive exploration of these critical issues, providing educators, administrators, policymakers, and researchers with a roadmap for navigating the complexities of the modern educational landscape. The book equips readers with the knowledge and insights needed to address these challenges head-on by delving into topics such as internationalization, innovation, and sustainability. This valuable resource aids understanding and responsiveness to the trends shaping higher education today through in-depth analysis and an interdisciplinary approach.

Community Colleges as Incubators of Innovation

Author : Rebecca A. Corbin
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
ISBN 13 : 1000976947
Total Pages : 171 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (9 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Community Colleges as Incubators of Innovation by : Rebecca A. Corbin

Download or read book Community Colleges as Incubators of Innovation written by Rebecca A. Corbin and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2023-07-03 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: While community colleges have traditionally focused on providing students with opportunities to gain credentials for employment, the increasingly important question is: Are they preparing students for the looming dynamic, disruptive, and entrepreneurial environments ahead? This book addresses the urgent need for community colleges to prioritize entrepreneurship education both to remain relevant in a changing economy and to give graduate students the flexible and interdisciplinary mindsets needed for the future of society. It argues that entrepreneurial education should be offered broadly to a wide range of students, and across all disciplines; defines the key constructs for achieving this objective; and describes how to create entrepreneurial learning environments.The expert contributors, with the support of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), start from the premise that community colleges are uniquely positioned to lead entrepreneurial initiatives through both internally-generated curriculum design and through collaboration with the local entrepreneurial community to build bridges between the classroom to the community which in turn can offer models of implementation and constitute a network or support system for students. Community colleges can become incubators of innovation, a magnet for talent, and provide the impetus for development strategies that their communities have not begun to realize. As the chapters make clear, developing an entrepreneurial program itself requires an entrepreneurial mindset that transcends any lack of resources, requiring a spirit of imagination and resourcefulness. This book takes the reader on a journey through the steps needed to build a meaningful, relevant, and sustainable entrepreneurship program, covering program development, curriculum design, appropriate pedagogical approaches, and community engagement.

Closing the Food Gap

Author : Mark Winne
Publisher : Beacon Press
ISBN 13 : 0807047317
Total Pages : 184 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (7 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Closing the Food Gap by : Mark Winne

Download or read book Closing the Food Gap written by Mark Winne and published by Beacon Press. This book was released on 2009-01-01 with total page 184 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This powerful call to arms offers a realistic vision for getting locally produced, healthy food onto everyone’s table, “[blending] a passion for sustainable living with compassion for the poor” (Dr. Jane Goodall) In Closing the Food Gap, food activist and journalist Mark Winne poses questions too often overlooked in our current conversations around food: What about those people who are not financially able to make conscientious choices about where and how to get food? And in a time of rising rates of both diabetes and obesity, what can we do to make healthier foods available for everyone? To address these questions, Winne tells the story of how America’s food gap has widened since the 1960s, when domestic poverty was “rediscovered,” and how communities have responded with a slew of strategies and methods to narrow the gap, including community gardens, food banks, and farmers’ markets. The story, however, is not only about hunger in the land of plenty and the organized efforts to reduce it; it is also about doing that work against a backdrop of ever-growing American food affluence and gastronomical expectations. With the popularity of Whole Foods and increasingly common community-supported agriculture (CSA), wherein subscribers pay a farm so they can have fresh produce regularly, the demand for fresh food is rising in one population as fast as rates of obesity and diabetes are rising in another. Over the last three decades, Winne has found a way to connect impoverished communities experiencing these health problems with the benefits of CSAs and farmers’ markets; in Closing the Food Gap, he explains how he came to his conclusions. With tragically comic stories from his many years running a model food organization, the Hartford Food System in Connecticut, alongside fascinating profiles of activists and organizations in communities across the country, Winne addresses head-on the struggles to improve food access for all of us, regardless of income level.

Cracks in the Foundation

Author : The Hackett Group
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 51 pages
Book Rating : 4.:/5 (951 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Cracks in the Foundation by : The Hackett Group

Download or read book Cracks in the Foundation written by The Hackett Group and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 51 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Impact of the Current 4Cs Skills Gap in Organizations

Author : Behnam Bakhshandeh
Publisher : CRC Press
ISBN 13 : 1040105017
Total Pages : 334 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (41 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The Impact of the Current 4Cs Skills Gap in Organizations by : Behnam Bakhshandeh

Download or read book The Impact of the Current 4Cs Skills Gap in Organizations written by Behnam Bakhshandeh and published by CRC Press. This book was released on 2024-09-06 with total page 334 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The shortage of skills in the workforce is one of the major problems facing enterprises today. How American businesses and organizations intend to deal with these issues and operate in a global market under strong competition is one of their primary worries. The only logical and tangible solution to this issue is for the educational system and major businesses and organizations to begin making investments in educating more children and young adults in soft skills like the 21st-century 4Cs skills (critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration) to prepare them to meet the challenges of emerging businesses and technologies. The 21st century has witnessed a rapid transformation in the global workforce and the skills required to thrive in it. Traditional knowledge-based skills alone are no longer sufficient to succeed in today’s complex and dynamic business environment. Instead, organizations increasingly value what is known as the "4Cs" skills: communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity. However, a significant skills gap exists, where many employees lack these crucial abilities. This book explores the impact of the 21st-century 4Cs skills gap in organizations and how it affects their performance, innovation, and competitiveness. The 21st-century 4Cs skills gap poses a significant challenge for organizations across industries. The inability to communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, think critically, and foster creativity can hinder productivity, innovation, and competitiveness. As the business landscape continues to evolve, addressing this skills gap is not only a necessity but also a strategic imperative for organizations looking to thrive in the 21st century. Bridging the gap through training, recruitment, and a commitment to a learning culture will be essential for success in the increasingly complex and interconnected world of business.

Developmental Universities in Inclusive Innovation Systems

Author : Rodrigo Arocena
Publisher : Springer
ISBN 13 : 3319641522
Total Pages : 284 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (196 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Developmental Universities in Inclusive Innovation Systems by : Rodrigo Arocena

Download or read book Developmental Universities in Inclusive Innovation Systems written by Rodrigo Arocena and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-10-17 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book analyzes the current trends in the production, dissemination, and use of knowledge which contribute to social inequalities, especially in the Global South. The aim of the text is to explore the possibilities of active involvement by universities in the democratization of knowledge - a process by which people will be able to more easily acquire and utilize knowledge, as well as the results and benefits of research and development. Combining higher education, research, and knowledge utilization is what universities should be doing. When they efficiently contribute to overcoming inequality and underdevelopment, they may be considered developmental universities. They should not function in solitude with privileged elites alone, but in the context of "inclusive innovation systems."

Investing in America's Workforce

Author : Carl E. Van Horn
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780692163184
Total Pages : pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (631 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Investing in America's Workforce by : Carl E. Van Horn

Download or read book Investing in America's Workforce written by Carl E. Van Horn and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Digital Preservation and Documentation of Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Author : Masenya, Tlou Maggie
Publisher : IGI Global
ISBN 13 : 166847025X
Total Pages : 466 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (684 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Digital Preservation and Documentation of Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems by : Masenya, Tlou Maggie

Download or read book Digital Preservation and Documentation of Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems written by Masenya, Tlou Maggie and published by IGI Global. This book was released on 2023-08-03 with total page 466 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Indigenous knowledge is regarded as undocumented cultural, local, traditional, and community knowledge produced and owned by local people in their specific communities. It is mainly preserved in the memories of elders and shared or passed on from generation to generation through oral communication, traditional practices, and demonstrations. This irreplaceable resource may be lost forever as a direct result of the pressures of modernization, colonization, and globalization. Concern over the loss of Indigenous knowledge has thus raised a need for the preservation and documentation of this knowledge in digital formats. Digital Preservation and Documentation of Global Indigenous Knowledge Systems determines how Indigenous knowledge can be documented and digitally preserved to benefit Indigenous knowledge owners and their communities and be accessible for future generations. The book provides the best practices, innovative strategies, theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and empirical research findings regarding the digital preservation and documentation of Indigenous knowledge systems worldwide. Covering topics such as digital media platforms, educational management, and knowledge systems, this premier reference source is a valuable and useful tool for students, information professionals, knowledge managers, records managers, Indigenous knowledge owners, Indigenous community leaders, librarians, archivists, computer scientists, information technology specialists, students and educators of higher education, researchers, and academicians.

Reimagining Management in the post VUCA World

Author : Samik Shome
Publisher : Allied Publishers
ISBN 13 : 939095147X
Total Pages : 480 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (99 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Reimagining Management in the post VUCA World by : Samik Shome

Download or read book Reimagining Management in the post VUCA World written by Samik Shome and published by Allied Publishers. This book was released on 2023-01-02 with total page 480 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This volume contains 27 papers in all. The papers included in this volume provide various facets of the management perspectives in the field of human resources, corporate governance, sustainability, entrepreneurship and gig economy, among others. Admittedly, in a multi-author book such as this, a divergence of topics and issues as well as views on a given topic or issue is inevitable. The book encompasses in its fold a wide range of business and policy issues in the Indian setup. Further, in view of the fact that the various papers included in the present volume are authored by researchers with diverse interests and backgrounds, it is not surprising that each paper may look unique even in terms of its structure of presentation, too. In such a situation, the editor’s dilemma should not be difficult to imagine for the reader. As editors of this volume, therefore, we deliberately preferred to keep the author’s style, arguments or conclusions, intact. In more precise terms, the papers included in this volume are largely in their original form and content. Although we, not being completely oblivious of our editorial responsibilities, have attempted some cosmetic aesthetics here and there in respect of some papers.

The 60-Year Curriculum

Author : Christopher J. Dede
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 1000050297
Total Pages : 182 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 ( download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis The 60-Year Curriculum by : Christopher J. Dede

Download or read book The 60-Year Curriculum written by Christopher J. Dede and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-03-31 with total page 182 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The 60-Year Curriculum explores models and strategies for lifelong learning in an era of profound economic disruption and reinvention. Over the next half-century, globalization, regional threats to sustainability, climate change, and technologies such as artificial intelligence and data mining will transform our education and workforce sectors. In turn, higher education must shift to offer every student life-wide opportunities for the continuous upskilling they will need to achieve decades of worthwhile employability. This cutting-edge book describes the evolution of new models—covering computer science, inclusive design, critical thinking, civics, and more—by which universities can increase learners’ trajectories across multiple careers from mid-adolescence to retirement. Stakeholders in workforce development, curriculum and instructional design, lifelong learning, and higher and continuing education will find a unique synthesis offering valuable insights and actionable next steps.

Human Capital and Gender Inequality in Middle-Income Countries

Author : Elizabeth M. King
Publisher : Taylor & Francis
ISBN 13 : 1000641031
Total Pages : 262 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (6 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Human Capital and Gender Inequality in Middle-Income Countries by : Elizabeth M. King

Download or read book Human Capital and Gender Inequality in Middle-Income Countries written by Elizabeth M. King and published by Taylor & Francis. This book was released on 2022-11-25 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The role of cognitive and socioemotional skills alongside education in determining people’s success in the labour market has been the topic of a growing body of research - but previous studies have mostly missed middle-income countries and the developing world because measures of those skills and data on employment and earnings on large enough samples of adults have typically not been available. Using comparable survey data on these schooling, skills and labour market outcomes from 13 developing and emerging economies worldwide, this book revisits human capital and gender inequality models. It presents new estimates of the returns to different levels of schooling as well as cognitive and socioemotional skills for women and men. It examines whether those returns are due to levels of human capital or to structural bias in labour markets, and how these two factors work across the earnings spectrum. The book examines the existence of 'glass ceilings' and 'sticky floors' for women using this expanded measure of human capital. Further, by analyzing a group of countries of wide-ranging levels of economic development and socio-political contexts, the book reveals patterns and insights into how context mediates the relationship between skills and gender gaps in labour market outcomes. This book will be of interest to scholars of human capital and gender inequality in the labour market and development economics, as well as gender and development policy makers.

Closing the Communication Skills Gap

Author : Annette K Thornton
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781536879995
Total Pages : 138 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (799 download)

DOWNLOAD NOW!

Book Synopsis Closing the Communication Skills Gap by : Annette K Thornton

Download or read book Closing the Communication Skills Gap written by Annette K Thornton and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-08-06 with total page 138 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can middle and high school students be challenged to ratchet up their communication skills by dashing strides-and have fun doing it? A few people find public speaking exhilarating; a considerable number find it petrifying! In fact, public speaking is often listed as one of the top fears of individuals-among other qualms, such as snakes, grave illness, and . . . death. Many circumstances of life and living require the ability to speak up, contribute meaningfully, offer a solution, report progress, influence decisions, facilitate dialogue, or even join in celebration. For the business world, oral communication skills of employees have recently become a leading concern, especially with respect to younger generations and those just entering the workforce. The present communication skills trajectory does not look promising. Recent business studies demonstrate a critical need to improving communication skills, especially in younger generations. Must this path continue? Could it be altered-at least in part-toward a more favorable outcome? Finding ways to decrease fear and increase confidence and competency is now critical to individual and professional success. Are there effective ways to help young people reduce their fear of public speaking and become confident communicators-whether they're delivering a formal speech, collaborating on a presentation, or contending for a job interview? This research study of real teenagers would suggest a resounding "yes." This qualitative multiple-case study research project draws from the real life experiences of eight young people (ages 14 to 18) who have been in the trenches learning communication skills-intensely. Through personal interviews (among other sources of data), see, hear, feel, and learn what students actually experience along the way. Students give voice to what it's like to ratchet up their skills in astounding strides. Listen to what they experience, what really helps them improve, and what they "definitely" recommend to other students. This study could prove invaluable to: students, parents, educators, community leaders, business sponsors, coaches/mentors, speech club leaders, tournament directors, contest organizers, and anyone interested in helping young people to develop real communication skills. This qualitative, multiple-case study includes: an introduction and background of the topic; a review of other pertinent research literature-including recent business studies; methods used for this particular study; and full research results, which include anxiety scores, student interview reporting, and useful feedback from judges. In addition, the study also includes students' opinions of whether they actually improved their communication skills (and verified by speech league rankings), students' perceptions of the value and confidence factor in learning these skills, as well as students' recommendations for other students. The final Summary and Discussion chapter covers insights and implications for practice, followed by an annotated bibliography of over 30 references. Learn what pre-collegiate students can accomplish-and what other "average" students could too.