Future-Ready Skills

Portrait of a Graduate

Implement Your Portrait of a Graduate With Wayfinder

Get free resources to support the implementation of your Portrait of a Graduate vision. Learn more about how Wayfinder tools are designed specifically to meet the unique needs of your school or district.

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Smiling high school graduate standing outdoors with other graduates

What is a Portrait of a Graduate?

A Portrait of a Graduate–also known as Portrait of a Learner or Graduate Profile–is a powerful tool that outlines a shared vision between states, districts, and communities for what skills and knowledge students need to learn as they prepare for life after graduation. The Portrait of a Graduate also shows that a student's abilities to adapt, collaborate, communicate, think critically, show empathy, and take personal responsibility are just as important as traditional academic success.

While each school or district may update their competencies, skills, and definitions over time, a Portrait of a Graduate sets clear goals for educators and students. It focuses on improving curriculum and teaching practices while also serving as a guide to measure progress and identify areas where students may need more support.

Get our workbook to implement your Portrait of a Graduate and meet the unique needs of your school or district.

Although the needs and values may vary from state to state, Portrait of a Graduate programs have many common themes and outline similar skills that define student success:

Improved critical thinking + problem-solving
Higher social awareness
Being an active community member
Effective communication skills
Deep academic + technical knowledge
Many more: See Figure 1 above

Wayfinder specifically addresses 10 of these top 15 skills and actively supports the remaining 5 skills through evidence-based activities and lessons meant to help students succeed in and out of the classroom.

Discover a variety of activities designed for K-12 students to build skills related to your Portrait of a Graduate.

Future-Ready Skills for Tomorrow’s Success

The 2025 World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report (get our guide here!) highlights that 9 of the top 10 most in-demand skills are future-ready skills and interpersonal competencies.

Wayfinder’s research-backed Core Skills are designed to equip students with the future-ready skills and interpersonal competencies essential for success in school and beyond. Wayfinder makes it possible to incorporate meaning-making, critical thinking, and future-ready skills—ensuring students can apply their learning in real-world contexts.

By fostering these in-demand skills, Wayfinder helps students build the adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence needed to thrive in the evolving job market.

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New Wayfinder Portrait of a Graduate Feature

You’ve determined the skills you want your students to learn—now it's time to track progress towards those skills and bring your vision to life.

Wayfinder seamlessly integrates Future-Ready Skills + Portrait of a Graduate competencies into one cohesive, research-backed program.

With Wayfinder, your students will:

Develop the skills employers, colleges, and people value most
Gain confidence in their future path
Build decision-making and problem-solving skills for lifelong success

By combining interpersonal, leadership, and decision-making skills, Wayfinder prepares students to thrive in school, career, the workplace, and beyond—ensuring they graduate with the adaptability and purpose needed to thrive.

Ready to bring your Portrait of a Graduate to life?

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Preparing Students for the Future of Jobs Guide

According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs Report, 9 out of the top 10 most in-demand skills are Future-Ready skills and interpersonal competencies.

Read our Preparing Students for the Future of Jobs Info Guide to learn about:

Workforce trends + shifts
Top workforce skills for future-ready grads
Strategies to bridge skill development + career readiness
Activities to strengthen + support these skills

Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate White Paper

Leading companies agree—skills like adaptability, communication, and collaboration are more valuable and irreplaceable than technical know-how. But is your district equipping students with what they need to thrive?

In this white paper, you’ll discover:

The top in-demand career-ready skills students need to succeed
Research-backed strategies to integrate these skills into K-12 education
Real-world case studies from states successfully preparing future-ready graduates

Download the Portrait of a Future-Ready Graduate white paper now to best prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s challenges.

Guided Workbook to Successfully Implement Your Portrait of a Graduate

Let Wayfinder help you meaningfully implement your vision. We created an interactive workbook for successful Portrait of a Graduate implementation that helps you:

Evaluate your current structures and support
Create action plans
Monitor progress of skills + competencies
Ensure every student has access to mastering the skills you’ve outlined in your plan

Your students deserve to achieve the vision you’ve set for their success. Download our free workbook below!

Why Mental Health Management Is an Essential Employability Skill

Why Mental Health Management Is an Essential Employability Skill

Student mental health is an invaluable part of long-term success and well-being.

Read the blog to learn why mental health management is an essential life skill for students.

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Essential High School Leadership Training

Building Tomorrow’s Leaders: Essential High School Leadership Training

Leadership training is an investment in students’ futures. High school leadership guidance shapes students into confident, compassionate leaders.

Read more about High School Leadership Skills and Curriculum.

How Aurora Science + Tech Nurtures Future Leaders with Wayfinder

How Aurora Science + Tech Nurtures Future Leaders with Wayfinder

Wayfinder has helped Aurora Science + Tech Academy empower its students to solve complex problems, collaborate with others, and cultivate essential life skills.

Learn how Wayfinder can help you empower students in your school or district.

3 Effective Strategies to Foster a Growth Mindset Across Campus

3 Effective Strategies to Foster a Growth Mindset Across Campus

Across K-12 campuses, it's equally important for both students and educators to develop growth mindsets.

Discover 3 practical strategies for students and educators to develop growth mindsets.