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AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity courses with College Board and U.S. Chamber of Commerce

College Board
College Board

U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board Launch AP Career Kickstart to Prepare High School Students for Jobs and College

New AP Business and AP Cybersecurity courses debut in 2026 to close the workforce readiness gap

Washington, D.C., September 18, 2025 — Millions of U.S. high school students want more than a diploma—they want career skills, financial literacy and job-ready credentials. To meet that demand, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board announced a new initiative: AP Career Kickstart courses, launching nationwide in fall 2026.

The program begins with two high-demand pathways:

  • AP Business with Personal Finance – teaching financial literacy, economics, entrepreneurship, and market principles.
  • AP Cybersecurity – preparing students for careers in technology and digital security.

Students who complete the courses can earn college credit and an industry-recognized credential endorsed by employers—helping them succeed whether they pursue college, technical training, apprenticeships, the military or direct entry into the workforce.

Why It Matters: Workforce Readiness Gap

The New Hire Readiness Report 2025, based on a national survey of 500 hiring managers, reveals:

  • 84% say most high school graduates are not workforce-ready.
  • 80% believe graduates are less prepared than previous generations.
  • Only 38% find it easy to hire candidates with the right skills.
  • Graduates with a recognized credential are seen as 71% prepared vs. 40% without one.
  • 94% of employers prioritize critical thinking.
  • 96% say financial literacy is essential for young professionals.
  • 92% want more business courses in high school.

What Leaders Are Saying

“The new AP Business with Personal Finance course is a powerful way to foster the next generation of business leaders,” said Suzanne P. Clark, President & CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“By directly infusing business-centric skills and financial literacy into high schools, we’re building a more competitive, job-ready workforce,” said Neil Bradley, EVP & Chief Policy Officer, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

“Students want to do work that matters. Employers want talent that’s ready. AP Career Kickstart brings those worlds together,” said David Coleman, CEO, College Board.

Backed by Employers and Educators

The courses are being developed with input from CompTIA, Oracle, IBM, U.S. Bank, Sephora and nearly 500 employers and 75 local chambers across 40 states. To date, 13 states have approved the new AP courses, with work underway nationwide.

About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, representing companies of all sizes. For over 100 years, it has advocated for policies that help businesses grow, create jobs and strengthen the U.S. economy.

About College Board

Founded in 1900, the College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization connecting students to college success and opportunity. Its membership includes over 6,000 of the world’s leading educational institutions.

Join Bright Admission Coaching for AP Business with Personal Finance and AP Cybersecurity courses test preparation.