# US high schools neglect business education despite workforce demands Only 20% of students take business courses, leaving graduates unprepared for modern economy - **Source:** [Fortune | FORTUNE](https://brifing.si/source/769282ef-327a-4454-909a-3c7936216004) - **Published:** 2026-09-12 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4e6ce80f-9fa9-48fe-b49d-b9a8339abf66 ## Critical skills gap identified Only 40% of hiring managers find entry-level candidates with essential skills like communication, teamwork, and financial decision-making. Businesses report graduates can execute tasks but struggle with critical thinking and ambiguity navigation. This comes as technology rapidly transforms workplace requirements, making these skills more crucial than ever. ## Current education system shortcomings Fewer than 20% of US high school students take business courses, often treated as electives rather than core curriculum. The traditional college vs. trades tracking system further exacerbates the problem, with neither path adequately preparing students for business fundamentals. Personal anecdotes reveal how this gap persists across socioeconomic backgrounds. ## Economic consequences of illiteracy The article highlights real-world examples of failed small businesses due to lack of basic business knowledge. Without understanding organizational functions, money flow, or opportunity creation, graduates face limited economic mobility. This skills deficit threatens national competitiveness as workplaces evolve beyond technical execution to require strategic thinking. ## State-level financial education progress 39 states now mandate personal finance courses for graduation, showing recognition of the problem. However, these requirements often focus narrowly on money management rather than broader business concepts. The distinction between personal finance and business operations remains a critical gap in current educational reforms. ## Extracurricular programs demonstrate impact Organizations like DECA and Future Business Leaders show the transformative power of business education. Participants develop confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that translate directly to career success. Yet these opportunities remain unevenly distributed, often dependent on school resources or student initiative rather than systemic inclusion. ## New AP Business curriculum The College Board's AP Business with Personal Finance combines academic rigor with employer-informed content. Students earn both college credit and professional recognition while developing practical skills. The course includes hands-on projects like creating and pitching business canvases, bridging theory and real-world application. ## Career-technical education integration The new AP program aligns with existing CTE pathways, allowing students to combine vocational training with business fundamentals. This addresses the false choice between technical mastery and economic mobility. Early results suggest this model could democratize access to business education across diverse student populations. ## Systemic change required While individual programs show promise, the article argues for business literacy as a core graduation requirement rather than elective. With technology reshaping work and 60% of states lacking comprehensive business education, systemic reform could better prepare students for an evolving economy where business understanding equals career adaptability. ## Sources covering this story - https://fortune.com/2026/09/12/business-missing-american-high-schools-chamber-commerce-college-board/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._