The Role of Soft Skills in Improving High School Students’ Post-Secondary Pathways: The Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate Program

Grant Year: 2022

Chloe Gibbs and Abigail Wozniak will examine whether signaling to employers that a high school graduate has acquired what are known as “soft skills” can increase employment and earnings for young people who opt to go directly to employment after graduation. They will evaluate the Governor’s Work Ethic Certificate, an Indiana initiative that allows high school students to earn a certificate indicating that they have acquired soft skills, such as diligence, good behavior, and general workplace competencies. The project’s findings will appear in a paper, a policy brief, and briefings for public officials in Indiana.