Includes bibliographical references and index.

Acknowledgments -- Foreword / John Fallon, CEO, Pearson -- Preface -- The context -- How did we get here? a history of education and training in the united states -- Organization for economic cooperation and development (oecd) better skills, better jobs, better lives -- Educational providers -- Jpmorgan chase -- World economic forum -- Middlesex community college -- University of liverpool -- Employers -- Executive perspective: united technologies corporation -- Employee scholars program -- National football league (nfl) -- Aramark -- Boeing -- Jpmorgan chase -- Coordinating agencies -- Executive perspective : north carolina community college system -- National urban league -- Carnegie foundation for the advancement of teaching -- Africa-america institute -- Northern tier industry and education consortium -- Jobs for the future -- Swiss federal institute of technology -- The path forward -- What do we know about programs to support lifelong learning? -- What might an effective system of lifelong learning look like? -- Index.

Today's global knowledge economy requires individuals and companies alike to quickly adapt to new tools and strategies. To remain competitive, both must continually upgrade their skills. In the United States, however, support for ongoing education lags far behind other developed nations, creating a crippling skills gap. How did we get to this point, and why are other countries faring markedly better? What keeps our nation's vast network of corporate training, workforce development, and K-12 and college education so fragmented and inefficient? Gathering insights from key thought leaders and exemplary programs, Learning for Life examines: Why America's existing educational models are failing employees and employers The shift from content knowledge toward new ways of thinking and working, grounded in creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration Policies and programs that are working in the U.S. and abroad Recommendations for overhauling our education and training infrastructure and building partnerships between providers and employers In a constantly changing world, the stakes are high to ensure our workforce performs. Learning for Life points to the most promising pathways for getting there."