"coNCepts" is a state-specific policy primer of The Hunt Institute. Each issue focuses on a critical topic in education policy, highlights key research for North Carolina policymakers, and prompts discussion of solutions. This issue begins by describing North Carolina's economy as having experienced a remarkable transformation during the past 60 years. Best known for tobacco and hog production during the mid-20th century, North Carolina is now a leader in banking, medicine, bioengineering, and technology. Top-tier universities and research institutions, a favorable business climate, and abundant natural resources have drawn companies from all of over the world to relocate to North Carolina, bringing along career opportunities for well-trained, skilled workers. Unfortunately, too many students are not prepared to take advantage of these opportunities, either failing to earn a postsecondary degree or lacking the required skills to move into the workforce after graduating from high school. The stakes for North Carolina's students could not be higher. Experts predict that by 2018, 59 percent of all jobs in North Carolina will require some type of postsecondary degree or training, yet the state's workforce does not have the education required to meet this demand. In 2011, only 38 percent of North Carolinians age 25 to 64 had an associate's degree or higher, ranking North Carolina 27th out of 50 states. A more educated, highly skilled workforce, with students who graduate from high school college and career ready, depends on higher expectations and tougher standards. Whether planning to attend a four-year institution or certificate program for a skilled trade, North Carolina's students are being challenged by the academic rigor necessary for their success. Students need to leave each education level ready to meet the demands of the next, and this seamless transition requires cross-sector collaboration. This issue of "coNCepts" examines the ways North Carolina's K-12 and higher education systems are working together to ensure college and career readiness for all students by aligning K-12 with postsecondary expectations, creating clearly defined pathways for career training and college preparation, and forming robust partnerships with industry. Presented in this issue are: (1) Preparing For Changing Workforce Demands; and (2) Moving toward Readiness. Considerations for NC Policymakers are also presented.