The central economic competitiveness issue for the Obama administration is creating an aligned, 21st century public education system that prepares students,workers and citizens to triumph in the global skills race. On Jan. 20, 2009, the Obama administration will take command of the White House facing unprecedented challenges to the U.S. economy and competitiveness. Americans are hungry for visionary presidential leadership, foresighted policies and bold actions that will strengthen economic opportunities and security at home and build collaboration abroad. There is widespread consensus, however, that the education and workforce development systems are failing to adequately prepare all students and workers with the essential skills--21st century skills--necessary for success in a global economy. The country needs a fresh approach to education that recalibrates workforce preparation to the demands of a 21st century economy built on information, knowledge, innovation and creativity. To that end, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills offers three specific recommendations to President Obama and the new administration: (1) Lead: Advocate 21st century skills as a major theme of this presidency, beginning with the Inaugural Address and a White House Summit on 21st Century Skills in 2009; (2) Mobilize: Coordinate the policies and actions of federal agencies in promoting and creating an aligned, 21st century public education and workforce development system, including the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act and other federal legislation; and (3) Empower: Support states and communities with investments to build a strong infrastructure and capacity for preparing students, workers and citizens with 21st century skills. If adopted, the policy recommendations in this transition brief will put the administration on the right track--and position the nation for a second century of American leadership around the world.