Overview

Millions of jobs remain unfilled because candidates lack essential skills. Many high school students graduate without the fundamental business knowledge or training to make informed decisions about their future.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and College Board are partnering to bridge this gap.

Our vision is simple—to ensure that today’s high school students have the skills needed to excel in their future careers, building a stronger workforce for tomorrow.

Introducing AP CK Business Principles/Personal Finance
To address the needs of today’s economy, College Board is developing a new course, Advanced Placement Career Kickstart (AP CK) Business Principles/Personal Finance— a groundbreaking program designed to provide students with a real-world foundation in business and personal finance education. The course will:

• Teach students the fundamentals of how businesses create value, how organizations compete in the marketplace, and how business leaders make decisions.
• Deliver insight into the forces driving customers, whether they are other businesses or families.
• Expand opportunities for high school students from all backgrounds to access engaging, college-level work that will deliver career-ready knowledge and skills.
• Launch in the 2026-27 school year with the AP Exam for college credit and an industry-recognized credential.

The Bristol Chamber connects talent with opportunity by showcasing the industries that power our community.

In partnership with the Bristol Morning Rotary Club, Bristol Youth Leadership offers a structured mentoring experience designed to connect students with local industry professionals. Students submit their top three placement preferences, from which one placement is selected. Through these intentional connections, participants gain meaningful real-world exposure to potential career paths while building professional skills and insight through hands-on experience.

A grant-funded initiative, powered by BTES and managed by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, providing critical access to STEM, robotics, and engineering education. The program offers middle and high school students hands-on learning experiences to develop technical skills, foster interest in the field, and support a future pipeline of talent for the industry.

A workforce development, rewards, and incentives HONOR for students who upon high school graduation will have completed the required courses, additional attendance and discipline expectations, as well as the recommended volunteer service hours. The requirements of Tennessee/Virginia Scholars are designed to prepare students for higher education and/or workforce placement.

The Jeff Byrd “Exceeding Expectations” $1,000 Scholarship, established in 2011 by the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, honors the legacy of Jeff Byrd—former Bristol Motor Speedway President, Chamber Chairman, and 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Known for his deep community involvement and inspiring mantra to "Exceed Expectations," this scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who embodies Byrd’s spirit by overcoming adversity and making a positive impact on others. Eligible students must attend a local high school and be accepted to a partnering regional college.

Awarded to seniors who demonstrate essential, employer-verified employability skills, such as character, work ethic and technical ability.