The North Carolina State Board of Education says it will collaborate with employers, educators and policymakers to help bridge the gap between education and careers.

Based on the 2011 publication Pathways to Prosperity: Meeting the Challenge of Preparing Young American for the 21st Century released by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, North Carolina has committed to helping students complete high school, get a valuable college degree and initiate a career.

The HGSE report led to the Pathways to Prosperity Network, which uses the resources of HGSE , Jobs for the Future, and six states to accomplish the goal of preparing students for work in the 21st century.

Cynthia Marshall, president of AT&T North Carolina and co-chair of a leadership team within the Pathways project, told the State Board of Education the mission would also benefit the economy.

“Everyone wins when business and industry join with public schools and higher education to create a seamless approach to graduating students ready for careers and equipped with the skills required for success,” Marshall said.