What is Next Prep?
Next Prep is a regional initiative that reimagines how high schools prepare students for life after graduation. It is designed to address one of the St. Louis region’s most pressing challenges: the growing gap between what high schools teach, where students end up, and what employers actually need.
Next Prep’s goal is to align high school education with real outcomes — without forcing students to choose between college and work.
Next Prep is built through sustained collaboration among K–12 schools, employers, and colleges working together toward that goal. Over four years, students take academic courses alongside hands-on career exploration, skill-building, and employer-designed projects. Students can also earn industry-recognized credentials or enter apprenticeships in fields ranging from construction to healthcare — all while still in high school. Today, about 950 students across three partner high schools are part of this experience.
The Next Prep Model
Next Prep students integrate self-knowledge, professional readiness, and pathway options into a coherent personal plan that is owned by the student and pressure-tested by their community. This plan empowers students to leave high school with direction, purpose, and confidence.
By The Numbers
Next Prep currently serves 950 9th-12 graders, and is projected to serve over 1700 students by Summer 2029
- 60% of 11th graders interested in skilled trades obtained an industry-recognized credential
- 25% of Next Prep students receive dual credit in an industry-specific pathway
- Next Prep offers 170 different Registered Apprenticeships across 21 career pathways
Hear from Next Prep Students and Leaders
We are boldly redefining what education can achieve with a transformative vision to create a modern, rigorous learning environment where every student—regardless of background—has the tools and opportunities to thrive. The potential unleashed through this partnership will set a new standard for our region, prioritizing the needs and aspirations of our most burdened students and ensuring their voices are at the heart of our progress.
Dr. Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Superintendent, School District of University City
Next Prep in the Media
- Next Prep secured $8 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand its apprenticeship program over the next three years | St. Louis American
- Next Prep and Director Riley Foster Recognized at the 2026 What’s Right With the Region Awards by FOCUS St. Louis | LinkedIn
- Next Prep Pilots Career Exploration Programming for 9th Graders | The74
Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces First-Of-Its-Kind National Skilled Trades Initiative to Accelerate High School Students into High-Wage, In-Demand Trade Careers
Bloomberg Philanthropies Announces First-Of-Its-Kind National Skilled Trades Initiative to Accelerate High School Students into High-Wage, In-Demand Trade Careers
The Opportunity Trust Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $90 Million National Initiative to Accelerate High School Students into High-Wage, In-Demand Trade Careers
The Opportunity Trust Joins Bloomberg Philanthropies’ $90 Million National Initiative to Accelerate High School Students into High-Wage, In-Demand Trade Careers
Deeper Collaboration: A Shared Focus on Missouri’s Future Workforce
Innovative Next Prep Initiative Expands to Second School and City
This spring, 525 students from St. Louis and Indianapolis completed Next Prep, exploring careers through capstone projects and employer partnerships. Next year, the program expands to serve 700 students.
Reimagining High School: Creating High School Options That Meet Today’s Challenges
Reimagining High School: Creating High School Options That Meet Today’s Challenges
McCarthy Building Companies’ site supervisor explains the collaborative effort that it takes to construct the patient care tower. More than…