What makes a student stand out in college admissions today? If you ask five different people, you might get five different answers: grades, test scores, leadership, community service, internships. But beneath the noise, there’s a quiet revolution happening. And it's changing everything.

We are entering a transformative era where AI reshapes business, knowledge work, and workflows, blending machine intelligence with human ingenuity. This evolution mirrors the seismic shifts of the Industrial Revolution and the internet age, promising decades of technological, societal, and economic change. As AI drives innovation at unprecedented rates, organizations must prepare for this future by cultivating talent with a mix of adaptive skills, qualities and creativity. Let’s explore what it takes to thrive in this moment and prepare for tomorrow's opportunities.

The world of technology is in constant flux. Major tech companies like Google are not just looking for people who can code or analyze data. They need individuals who can adapt, innovate, and thrive in a landscape that's being reshaped daily, especially by the rapid advancements in AI.

STEM education has been a cornerstone of U.S. schools for decades. Thirty-seven years ago, the founding members of the National Consortium of STEM Schools (NCSS) came together to promote a comprehensive STEM approach across specialized high schools. To join NCSS schools had to weave STEM disciplines throughout their entire curriculum—not just in isolated disciplines—and engage students in authentic research experiences. These pillars helped fuel the rise of STEM-focused high schools nationwide.

At Premier, we are proud to highlight the voices of innovators who are shaping the future of education. Today’s guest post comes from Jason Osborne, Chief Business Officer of syGlass Inc., whose remarkable career has spanned aerospace, biotech, paleontology, and K–12 education. Jason’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity—and the importance of sparking that same sense of discovery in every student.

What do you remember most about your favorite teacher? Chances are, it wasn’t the content; it was their presence, their belief in you, the way they made you feel seen.‍