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In an era where workforce demands and the needs of high school learners are rapidly evolving, a new survey by Penn Foster Group sheds light on how teachers are reimagining education to better equip students for success.

Conducted at the start of the year, the survey of over 300 high school teachers underscores the growing need for educators to offer career-focused learning content and alternative high school pathways that equip students with workforce-ready skills in flexible ways beyond traditional schooling.

Teachers overwhelmingly reported a surge in interest among students to enter the workforce directly after graduation, with nearly 70 percent noting this trend had increased significantly in the past five years. This shift reflects a broader move toward practical, skills-based learning, as more than half of respondents (54 percent) shared plans to center their curricula around real-world skills. One teacher captured the essence of this approach, stating, “Students want to see how what they’re learning connects to their future. Showing them real-world applications keeps them engaged and motivated.”

By incorporating skills-based learning into their curricula, educators are equipping students with the tools necessary to transition seamlessly into the workforce after graduation–and online education is poised to play a pivotal role in this evolution. Nearly three-quarters of the teachers surveyed predict a rise in demand for online learning programs, with 70 percent agreeing that such programs are essential to workforce preparation. Educators pointed to flexibility and accessibility as key benefits, enabling students to balance education with other responsibilities while building critical skills for future careers.

The data in the survey also revealed that cost, faster completion times, and alignment with job opportunities are driving students toward nontraditional pathways. With 64 percent of educators expressing confidence in online learning as a viable alternative to traditional schooling, the shift toward digital and skills-based education is expected to continue accelerating, especially as high school learners are seeking more options for flexibility in their environment.

“As the educational landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that traditional pathways are no longer enough to meet the diverse needs of today’s students,” said Andy Shean, Chief Learning Officer at Penn Foster Group. “This survey emphasizes the critical need for flexible, skills-based, and accessible learning options that prepare students for career success and keep them on track for graduation while supporting their overall well-being. By embracing innovative models such as online education, credit recovery, summer school, and blended learning, we can ensure that students not only graduate but thrive in an ever-changing world.”

Mental health remains a pressing issue, with 72 percent of teachers anticipating an increase in anxiety and stress among students in 2025. Teachers cited these challenges, along with social isolation and academic pressure as barriers to engagement and success. In response, many educators are implementing innovative strategies such as project-based learning, internships, and career exploration opportunities to meet students where they are and offer better support.

Online learning also serves as a lifeline for students who need additional support to stay on track for graduation. Penn Foster Group works with teachers and counselors who highlight the growing use of online courses for credit recovery, summer school, and blended learning models, allowing students in traditional schools to customize their education to meet their unique needs. These programs provide students with a second chance to earn missed credits, accelerate their progress, and engage with coursework in a way that accommodates personal schedules, extracurricular commitments, and other responsibilities.

As demand for alternative learning pathways rises, Penn Foster Group remains at the forefront of education innovation by focusing on practical skills and flexible, online program delivery. The latest data reinforces Penn Foster Group’s commitment to delivering forward-thinking education that empowers high school learners’ continued adaptability and success.

This press release originally appeared online.

eSchool Media staff cover education technology in all its aspects–from legislation and litigation, to best practices, to lessons learned and new products. First published in March of 1998 as a monthly print and digital newspaper, eSchool Media provides the news and information necessary to help K-20 decision-makers successfully use technology and innovation to transform schools and colleges and achieve their educational goals.

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In a transformative push to bring Artificial Intelligence (AI) education to the heart of rural India, Microsoft, in partnership with eVidyaloka, is empowering around 37,000 students with Responsible AI training through Build Rural Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) program. Now, in its second year, BRAIN has grown from 300 government schools in its pilot phase to more than 400 schools across 10 states of India.

Drawing on Microsoft’s Responsible AI principles and powered by its technology, curriculum, corporate social responsibility grants, devices, and volunteer network with strategic corporate partners, the program is not only teaching foundational AI concepts, but also enabling hands-on innovation in the classrooms, where access to advanced digital tools was once unimaginable.

One of the milestones in this year was the distribution of laptops to 108 government schools through Microsoft’s in-kind donation program, enabling more than 6,000 students to experience AI for the first time, through hands-on learning. Meanwhile, the Teacher Training (ToT) program equipped 343 educators in nine states with AI pedagogy and digital skills, laying the foundation for sustainable, long-term impact.

At the center of this initiative, offering 22 modules on AI for students and teachers is BRAINIAC 2025, a national AI innovation challenge that puts knowledge into action. It invites students from the government schools to identify pressing local issues in their schools or neighbourhoods and design practical, AI-powered solutions. By blending classroom instruction with hands-on problem-solving, BRAINIAC transforms digital education into a tool for grassroots innovation and community impact.

In this year’s challenge, 748 student teams (1,496 students) have come forward with innovative AI-driven prototypes addressing real-life issues, from smart dustbins and navigational systems to energy management tools and attendance solutions. Guided by trained Class Assistants and volunteer mentors, the initiative is redefining what students can achieve when given the right platform.

The program’s reach is further amplified by eVidyaloka’s Teach Through Television (TTT) model, which blends television and online content to overcome access barriers. In 2024–25, the TTT platform recorded 14.58 lakh views, delivering AI modules in five languages—Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and English—with redesigned content broken into 66 short, engaging lessons enhanced with motion graphics and interactive quizzes.

“Through the BRAINIAC Challenge, we are not just introducing rural students to Artificial Intelligence, we are enabling them to become thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers in their own communities. It’s heartening to see students take ownership of their learning journeys and build solutions that are meaningful, relevant, and deeply rooted in the community.” said Brinda Poornapragna, CEO of eVidyaloka.

Microsoft’s volunteer ecosystem has played a key role in co-developing curriculum and hosting student’s Meet & Greets with tech professionals. Collaborative efforts with Microsoft’s partner organisations like Nirmaan to adapt the BRAIN curriculum, further extended the reach of this Responsible AI course to 4,100 students across Tamil Nadu, ensuring exposure to global tech thinking even in India’s remotest classrooms.