Future-Ready Skills Framework
EXPLR’s Future-Ready Skills Framework© is built around eight Core Skills that help young people succeed in school, college, and early careers. Each Core Skill includes clear, measurable competencies—strengthening analytical thinking, communication, and tech literacy, among others. While every course connects learning to industry, some focus on high-growth fields such as agriculture, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, and cybersecurity, with standards tailored to real career pathways.
Analytical Thinking
Economics & Decision Science
- ECN-HS-1 — Analyze a supply–demand situation; discuss elasticity and predict effects of a price/control/shock using a and one .
- ECN-HS-2 — Evaluate a cost–benefit table with marginal analysis for a real choice; state a decision rule and justify it with evidence and one risk.
- ECN-HS-3 — Identify an externality or public good; propose a policy (tax, subsidy, rule) and explain efficiency–equity trade-offs in 150–200 words.
- ECN-MS-1 — Explain wants vs. needs and opportunity cost using a everyday choice; write one sentence on what you gave up and why.
- ECN-MS-2 — Read a price–quantity graph and describe what happens to quantity demanded or supplied when price changes; give one real example.
- ECN-MS-3 — Recognize a positive or negative spillover at school/community and suggest one incentive or rule to improve outcomes; note one possible downside.
Engineering
- ENG-HS-1 — Demonstrate ability to create an annotated diagram or schematic that explains function, data/energy flow, and at least two plausible failure modes.
- ENG-HS-2 — Evaluate and select manufacturing processes and tolerances for a key part and produce a drawing with critical dimensions (GD&T-lite if needed).
- ENG-HS-3 — Compose a one-page risk & compliance note citing relevant standards/safety rules and environmental constraints for the build.
- ENG-MS-1 — Illustrate a labeled diagram that shows the main parts and how the system works; describe one way it could fail.
- ENG-MS-2 — Evaluate a way to make one part (3D print, laser, or hand tools) and measure two key dimensions with a ruler or caliper.
- ENG-MS-3 — Make a safety checklist for your build and note any school or community rules you must follow.
Financial Literacy
- FL-HS-1 — Develop advanced financial skills, including investing and managing credit.
- FL-HS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create and manage a personal budget
- FL-HS-3 — Understand principles of business finance including financial statements and corporate finance.
- FL-MS-1 — Understand financial concepts such as saving, budgeting, and spending.
- FL-MS-2 — Learn the importance of financial planning and goal setting.
- FL-MS-3 — Explore financial transactions and their impacts.
Geo & Climate Literacy
- GEO-HS-1 — Interpret a map/layer relevant to your project (exposure, transport, energy) and write a 150‑word decision brief.
- GEO-HS-2 — Assess climate‑related risk for your scenario (heat, flood, supply) and propose one resilience measure.
- GEO-MS-1 — Recognize a map that matters for your project and explain one thing it tells you.
- GEO-MS-2 — Describe one local weather/climate risk and how it might change a plan.
Numerical and Data Literacy
- NDL-HS-1 — Analyze complex data sets and interpret results.
- NDL-HS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create budgets for projects or simulations.
- NDL-HS-3 — Apply data to support arguments and decision-making.
- NDL-MS-1 — Understand statistical concepts and budgeting.
- NDL-MS-2 — Interpret data sets.
- NDL-MS-3 — Learn to present data visually
Problem-Solving Skills
- PS-HS-1 — Develop advanced critical thinking skills for complex problem-solving.
- PS-HS-2 — Implement creative solutions in real-world scenarios.
- PS-HS-3 — Evaluate solutions and make decisions based on evidence and analysis.
- PS-MS-1 — Apply critical thinking to solve problems.
- PS-MS-2 — Apply creative thinking in projects and group activities.
- PS-MS-3 — Analyze situations to identify problems and potential solutions.
Research and Information Gathering
- RIG-HS-1 — Perform advanced research for academic papers.
- RIG-HS-2 — Critically evaluate and synthesize multiple sources of information.
- RIG-HS-3 — Present research findings in various formats.
- RIG-MS-1 — Conduct online research for assignments.
- RIG-MS-2 — Learn to evaluate sources for credibility
- RIG-MS-3 — Summarize and report findings effectively.
Systems Thinking
- SYS-HS-1 — Map a real-world system with actors, flows, and feedback loops; identify two leverage points and potential unintended effects.
- SYS-HS-2 — Conduct a scenario (if X changes, then Y) and present trade-offs across cost, time, equity, and risk.
- SYS-MS-1 — Illustrate a map of parts that work together and show one cause → effect loop.
- SYS-MS-2 — Explain one trade-off in your project (faster vs. safer, cheaper vs. durable) and your choice.
Collaboration
Leadership and Management
- LM-HS-1 — Develop advanced leadership skills in extracurricular activities.
- LM-HS-2 — Make informed decisions and take responsibility for outcomes.
- LM-HS-3 — Inspire and motivate others through effective leadership.
- LM-MS-1 — Take initiative in classroom activities and projects.
- LM-MS-2 — Learn decision-making and delegation skills.
- LM-MS-3 — Motivate peers through positive behavior and encouragement.
Teamwork and Collaboration
- TC-HS-1 — Lead group projects and delegate tasks effectively.
- TC-HS-2 — Resolve conflicts within teams using negotiation skills
- TC-HS-3 — Foster strong interpersonal relationships through teamwork.
- TC-MS-1 — Participate effectively in group projects and activities.
- TC-MS-2 — Practice respectful communication and conflict resolution
- TC-MS-3 — Evaluate relationships through collaborative tasks.
Communication
Communication Skills
- CS-HS-1 — Refine written communication through essays, reports, and creative writing.
- CS-HS-2 — Deliver formal presentations and public speeches.
- CS-HS-3 — Enhance listening skills through note-taking and summarizing key points
- CS-MS-1 — Develop clear and coherent writing for various purposes and audiences.
- CS-MS-2 — Practice effective oral communication in group settings.
- CS-MS-3 — Engage in active listening and provide appropriate feedback.
- CS-MS-4 — Demonstrate active listening skills in discussions and presentations.
Customer Service
- CU-HS-1 — Apply customer service skills in school-based enterprises or internships
- CU-HS-2 — Enhance empathy through community service activities.
- CU-HS-3 — Demonstrate patience in real-world customer service scenarios
- CU-MS-1 — Learn customer service skills through role-playing activities.
- CU-MS-2 — Develop empathy by understanding different perspectives.
- CU-MS-3 — Practice patience in challenging situations.
Networking
- NW-HS-1 — Develop advanced networking skills for career development.
- NW-HS-2 — Learn negotiation and influencing techniques.
- NW-HS-3 — Evaluate solutions and make decisions based on evidence and analysis.
- NW-MS-1 — Evaluate networking skills through group activities.
- NW-MS-2 — Practice effective communication in building relationships.
- NW-MS-3 — Understand the importance of networking in personal growth.
Sales and Marketing
- SM-HS-1 — Develop advanced persuasion and negotiation skills
- SM-HS-2 — Perform detailed market research for projects.
- SM-HS-3 — Demonstrate ability to create and implement branding strategies.
- SM-MS-1 — Learn persuasion techniques through projects.
- SM-MS-2 — Conduct market research activities.
- SM-MS-3 — Explore the fundamentals of branding
Creative Thinking
Creativity and Innovation
- CI-HS-1 — Apply creativity to solve complex problems.
- CI-HS-2 — Develop innovative projects and prototypes.
- CI-HS-3 — Apply strategic thinking in academic and extracurricular activities.
- CI-MS-1 — Engage in activities that foster creative thinking.
- CI-MS-2 — Experiment with idea generation techniques.
- CI-MS-3 — Participate in design thinking exercises.
Design & Make
- DM-HS-1 — Translate a problem brief into a requirements list that includes constraints, success metrics, accessibility, safety, and sustainability considerations.
- DM-HS-2 — Produce a V1 prototype (digital or physical) with a BOM; justify material/process choices for durability, cost, and environmental impact.
- DM-HS-3 — Conduct a structured test cycle (plan → measure → iterate) and maintain a versioned change log with photos or CAD revisions.
- DM-MS-1 — Turn a problem brief into a short list of needs and constraints, including at least one safety and one accessibility consideration.
- DM-MS-2 — Evaluate a prototype (cardboard, CAD, or no-code app) and list the materials/tools you used.
- DM-MS-3 — Evaluate through testing your prototype with 2–3 checks, record what happened with photos or notes, and describe one change you made.
Entrepreneurial Thinking
- ET-HS-1 — Define a target user and problem (‘job to be done’); gather 3 evidence sources and set one measurable success metric for a solution.
- ET-HS-2 — Design and run two low-cost MVP tests (e.g., storyboard + landing/A:B), pre-register decision rules, analyze results, and make a go/iterate/stop call.
- ET-HS-3 — Estimate unit economics (price, COGS, margin), identify CAC proxy, list key risks (legal/ethics/data), and write a 90‑day feasibility plan.
- ET-MS-1 — Describe a community problem and who it affects; write one-sentence value statement and list three possible users to ask for feedback.
- ET-MS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create a prototype or storyboard; collect feedback from 3 people; summarize what changed and your next improvement.
- ET-MS-3 — Make a mini budget (materials/time), outline roles for a small team, and check for safety/consent when gathering data or photos.
Ethics & Responsibility
Accessibility & Inclusive Design
- A11Y-HS-1 — Conduct an accessibility check (WCAG s) on your artifact; write alt-text and propose two inclusive improvements.
- A11Y-HS-2 — Adapt your communication or interface for a specific audience constraint (low bandwidth, color vision, language).
- A11Y-MS-1 — Communicate alt-text for two images and check color contrast on a slide or screen.
- A11Y-MS-2 — Change one part of your design to make it easier for someone new to use.
Data Governance & Privacy
- GOV-HS-1 — Communicate a one-page data purpose & retention plan; classify data and note consent/rights for each source.
- GOV-HS-2 — Complete a lightweight DPIA for your project and document mitigations for two privacy risks.
- GOV-MS-1 — List the data you collect, why you need it, and how long you will keep it; add a consent note.
- GOV-MS-2 — Identify one privacy risk in your project and write how you reduce it.
Ethics and Integrity
- EI-HS-1 — Apply ethical principles in decision-making.
- EI-HS-2 — Demonstrate reliability in academic and extracurricular activities.
- EI-HS-3 — Reflect on the role of integrity in professional settings
- EI-MS-1 — Understand the importance of honesty and accountability.
- EI-MS-2 — Practice ethical behavior in academic settings.
- EI-MS-3 — Learn about the impact of integrity in personal and community contexts.
Standards, Safety & Quality
- STD-HS-1 — Identify one applicable standard or regulation; translate it into a checklist for your project.
- STD-HS-2 — Conduct QA/QC on your artifact and document results with a pass/fail decision and rework plan.
- STD-MS-1 — Communicate a short safety checklist for your build and follow it during testing.
- STD-MS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create a quality checklist with 3 checks and record the results.
Project Execution
Documentation & Reproducibility
- DOC-HS-1 — Demonstrate ability to create a README with purpose, steps, dependencies, and ‘how to verify it works’; include a versioned change log.
- DOC-HS-2 — Package your evidence (data, code, CAD, photos) with file naming and a checklist another person can follow.
- DOC-MS-1 — Communicate instructions so a classmate can repeat your project and get the same result; include one photo.
- DOC-MS-2 — Keep a change log when you improve your project (what changed, why).
Human Factors & Usability
- HFE-HS-1 — Plan and run a 3-user test; rank issues by severity and propose fixes with rationales.
- HFE-HS-2 — Redesign a confusing step in your artifact and show before/after with metrics (time on task, errors).
- HFE-MS-1 — Ask two people to try your project; record what confused them and one change you make.
- HFE-MS-2 — Label the steps a new user should follow and remove one extra step.
Organizational Skills
- OS-HS-1 — Master project management techniques and apply to solve problems aligned with industry case studies or simulations
- OS-HS-2 — Maintain organized notes and study materials.
- OS-HS-3 — Plan and schedule long-term projects effectively.
- OS-MS-1 — Organize schoolwork and materials systematically.
- OS-MS-2 — Develop planning skills for academic projects.
- OS-MS-3 — Practice attention to detail in assignments
Project Management
- PM-HS-1 — Define scope, deliverables, and acceptance criteria; break work into a WBS and assign owners.
- PM-HS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create a timeline with milestones and dependencies (Gantt or Kanban); identify a critical path and update status weekly.
- PM-HS-3 — Evaluate a risk register and stakeholder communication plan; run a brief stand‑up and publish a status update.
- PM-MS-1 — Communicate a clear project goal, list tasks, and decide who does what on a small team.
- PM-MS-2 — Make a timeline with three milestones and track progress each week.
- PM-MS-3 — Facilitate a short check‑in, record blockers and wins, and share a one‑paragraph update with your teacher or mentor.
Risk & Resilience
- RSK-HS-1 — Demonstrate ability to create a risk register (likelihood × impact) with mitigations and an incident response plan for one top risk.
- RSK-HS-2 — Communicate a brief post‑mortem for a failed test: root cause, lessons learned, next steps.
- RSK-MS-1 — List three things that could go wrong in your project and one way to reduce each.
- RSK-MS-2 — Describe what you would do if your plan fails and who needs to know.
Time Management
- TM-HS-1 — Develop advanced time management skills for academic success.
- TM-HS-2 — Demonstrate ability to create and follow detailed schedules and plans.
- TM-HS-3 — Balance multiple responsibilities effectively.
- TM-MS-1 — Learn to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently.
- TM-MS-2 — Set short-term and long-term goals.
- TM-MS-3 — Practice multitasking in academic and extracurricular activities.
Self-Efficacy
Adaptability and Flexibility
- AF-HS-1 — Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to different roles and responsibilities.
- AF-HS-2 — Embrace change and manage transitions effectively.
- AF-HS-3 — Develop coping strategies for stress management.
- AF-MS-1 — Adapt to new and changing situations in school activities.
- AF-MS-2 — Show openness to new ideas and approaches.
- AF-MS-3 — Manage stress in varying academic scenarios.
Career Pathways
- CP-HS-1 — Evaluate and select a target job family and extract top skills from three postings; align each to EXPLR competencies and note any gaps.
- CP-HS-2 — Conduct one informational interview and produce a one-page brief on pathways, entry credentials, wages, and 90-day next steps.
- CP-HS-3 — Demonstrate ability to create a portfolio artifact with a LinkedIn-ready summary and tailor a resume bullet using the STAR method.
- CP-MS-1 — Pick a job that interests you and list 5 skills from two postings or profiles; match them to EXPLR competencies.
- CP-MS-2 — Do one mini-interview (or watch a career video) and summarize the pathway, starter credentials, and your first next step.
- CP-MS-3 — Demonstrate ability to create one portfolio post about your project and write two resume bullets using the STAR method.
Dependability
- DP-HS-1 — Demonstrate reliability in academic and extracurricular commitments.
- DP-HS-2 — Take accountability for actions and decisions.
- DP-HS-3 — Evaluate a reputation for dependability.
- DP-MS-1 — Learn the importance of reliability in school activities.
- DP-MS-2 — Practice accountability for assignments and responsibilities
- DP-MS-3 — Understand the impact of dependability on trust.
Learning Agility
- LRN-HS-1 — Demonstrate ability to create a personal learning plan with one stretch goal, curated resources, and a weekly reflection cadence.
- LRN-HS-2 — Apply a self‑review rubric to assess your artifact, set one 7‑day improvement, and track completion.
- LRN-MS-1 — Set a clear project goal and track progress with a checklist; reflect on what you learned.
- LRN-MS-2 — Ask for feedback from one peer and one adult and write one improvement you will make.
Tech Literacy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy
- AI-HS-1 — Analyze the principles and algorithms underlying artificial intelligence.
- AI-HS-2 — Develop AI models or projects using available tools and platforms.
- AI-HS-3 — Evaluate the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI technologies.
- AI-HS-4 — Apply AI and data science tools to real-world industry challenges
- AI-MS-1 — Understand concepts of artificial intelligence and its applications.
- AI-MS-2 — Explore AI tools and their uses in everyday life.
- AI-MS-3 — Discuss ethical considerations and impacts of AI on society.
Cloud & API Literacy
- API-HS-1 — Connect a form to a web service (API) and log successes/failures; include a runbook.
- API-HS-2 — Secure a key/secret, handle an error, and read a status page to plan around downtime.
- API-MS-1 — Apply a no‑code tool to move data from one app to another and check it worked.
- API-MS-2 — Explain what an API does in one paragraph and show a example (request → response).
Digital Literacy
- DL-HS-1 — Develop advanced digital skills, including complex coding and digital media production
- DL-HS-2 — Apply digital tools in academic and real-world projects.
- DL-HS-3 — Stay updated with the latest digital trends and cybersecurity measures.
- DL-MS-1 — Gain proficiency in using digital devices and the internet safely.
- DL-MS-2 — Learn coding and digital content creation.
- DL-MS-3 — Understand online privacy and security issues.
Technical Skills
- TS-HS-1 — Develop advanced technical skills relevant to various subjects
- TS-HS-2 — Perform complex data analysis using appropriate tools.
- TS-HS-3 — Apply technical knowledge in practical projects.
- TS-MS-1 — Gain proficiency in essential software and tools.
- TS-MS-2 — Learn fundamental IT skills, including internet research.
- TS-MS-3 — Explore introductory data analysis.
© EXPLR PBC Inc, 2025. All rights reserved.
The Future-Ready Skills Framework© and its associated Core Skills, strands, and competencies are the intellectual property of EXPLR PBC Inc. This work may be cited or excerpted for non-commercial educational purposes with attribution. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—for commercial use without prior written permission from EXPLR PBC Inc.
