Student learning outcomes, beyond the traditional, need to be crafted for the 21st-century learner. It is essential that each student develops a foundation of knowledge, but that is only the beginning. He or she must then have the opportunity to engage in learning that builds on that foundation. There must be enough time in the school day to allow students to actually move from simple application to creation of solutions to problems. There must be time for group projects with diverse students, set in motivating contexts that reflect real life, and these need to be both short-term and long-term opportunities for the student to transfer what was mastered to new situations. This engagement needs to include the development of speaking skills, reading comprehension, writing skills, presentation skills, mathematical reasoning, scientific reasoning, critical thinking, technology use, and career and college planning. Once on the job, each employee needs to stay abreast of changes in his or her occupation and related fields. Weekly readings and regular participation in professional development will help to make frequent workplace transitions go more smoothly. More than anyone else, students whose families are at a financial disadvantage need to work hard at developing 21st century skills and should push for access to quality STEM programs and other college preparatory courses.