Representatives from several local colleges, universities and businesses gathered at the Littlestown Area School District last week to discuss ways to better prepare students for college and the workforce, and how to integrate those skills into the daily curriculum at the district's four schools.

The representatives met with district administrators, guidance counselors, curriculum leaders and teachers last Wednesday to talk about what skills a college or career-ready student possesses before graduating high school, said Superintendent Donald Wills.

But students aren't just lacking necessary problem-solving skills, the representatives said Wednesday. Many said students also tend to lack "soft skills," such as arriving on time, appropriate attire and communication skills, said Wills. The district plans on connecting these real life skills to daily classroom learning, starting in the 2013-14 school year.

And the curriculum doesn't just focus on high-school students, Wills said. Teachers from kindergarten through high school are implementing the skill sets into their daily lesson plans.

Representatives from Mount Saint Mary's, Pennsylvania State University, Gettysburg College, Shippensburg University, Millersville University, York Technical Institute, Thaddeus Stevens School of Technology and McDaniel College were present.

The local business community was represented by those including The Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce,

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Gettysburg-Adams Chamber of Commerce and John Adamik of Adamik Insurance and Notary Tag.