Outcomes / shift_ed (Chris Huntley)
2x growth in employer engagement through aptitude-driven workforce partnerships
See how shift_ed connects students to opportunity through workforce-aligned pathways with YouScience
Using aptitude data to guide pathway decisions helped expand employer partnerships, strengthen career exploration, and connect more students to real-world opportunities.
Segment: Regional intermediary / K-12 + Workforce Development / North Carolina
Products: Aptitude & Career Discovery
Challenge
Guilford County and shift_ed sought a stronger way to connect student strengths to workforce opportunities at scale. Students needed earlier career exposure and clearer pathway planning, while employers needed better ways to engage emerging talent. The region needed a more intentional model to align career exploration, education pathways, and workforce partnerships.
Solution
shift_ed implemented an aptitude-driven career pathway model powered by YouScience to strengthen student planning and employer connection. They improved outcomes by:
- Using aptitude data beginning in 7th grade and reinforcing it again in 10th grade
- Using student aptitude profiles to connect learners to internships, industry tours, and career fairs
- Leveraging student data to expand employer partnerships aligned to regional talent needs
This created a more connected pathway from self-discovery to workforce opportunity.
Results
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Expanded employer engagement:
Employer participation grew from 50 to nearly 100 partners -
Strengthened pathway participation:
- Exceeded 80% student completion goals for aptitude assessments
- Expanded access to internships, job shadows, and workplace experiences
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Scaled career-connected impact:
Built stronger connections across STEM, aviation, manufacturing, and cybersecurity pathways
—Chris Huntley, Senior Manager of Career Readiness Programs, shift_ed