According to McKinsey Consulting, 40 percent of American employers say they cannot find people with the skills they need, even for entry-level jobs. More than half of employers cite a lack of proper workforce preparation, which includes entry-level jobs. This “skills gap” correlates with the education “achievement gap,” and it signifies a tremendous segment of untapped talent. If uncorrected, these gaps have large consequences, including economic underperformance, social unrest, and the perpetuation of the cycle of poverty. There is a need for robust workforce development programs at the high school and postsecondary levels that realistically align student workforce training with the local job market and demonstrate the value of these programs to students, employers, and the community.