As defined by the Kentucky Department of Education, College readiness is the level of preparation a student needs to succeed in credit-bearing courses in college and career readiness is the level of preparation a high school graduate needs to proceed to the next step in a chosen career, whether that is postsecondary coursework, industry certification or entry into the workforce. Part of the mission of education is to prepare our students for the transition from school to work and life beyond the classroom. A strong work ethic is essential to our students if they are to secure and maintain successful, meaningful employment.