Todays epic collegeadmissions scandal holds three practical, actionable lessonsfor parents. No prison time required.

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Actress Felicity Huffman was recently released from prison after serving 11 days for her involvement in the ongoing college admissions scandal. Huffman was convicted of paying $15,000 to have her daughters SAT doctored to help her get into an elite college.

But Huffman isnt alone. More than 30 other well-to-do parentsinfluencers in business, sports, education, healthcare, and entertainmentare involved in the scandal, not to mention those who have yet to be exposed. Stories like this demonstrate the lengths to which parents will go to give their children a competitive advantage.

Yes, seeing our kids succeed is a universal desireand, thankfully, theres an easier way than participating in a criminal conspiracy.

The educational landscape in America has shifted. It used to be enough to get good grades. Those who excelled in school could be fairly well assured of a viable, living-wage career awaiting them at the end of their higher education. It was a nice systemwhile it lasted.

Today, its no longer enough to excel in the academic realm. While robust academic performance is still important, young people who truly want to get ahead must add two other critical attributes to their portfolio: technical competency and professional skills.

Technical competency (or hard skills) can be gained in a variety of ways, including career-focused programs, internships, apprenticeships, licensures, and more. Even part-time employment can deliver technical abilities to some degree. Many employers are now looking at demonstrable skills and experience rather than the letters behind an applicants name. Whether theyre college, career, or military bound, every young person can benefit from the cognitive rigor required to master a technical ability.

When an individual has the academic and technical credentials, professional skills (or soft skills) complete the package. Professional skills are simply the personal attributes and character to succeed in the workplace: work ethic, punctuality, communication, leadership, ability to accept feedback, integrity, critical thinking, problem-solving, stress management, and many more. They are universal across all levels, in all industries, at all times, and are increasingly in demand.

There are many rewarding routes to educational and career success. Parents can play a vital role in helping their middle or high school student discover what theyre passionate about and make a plan to get therewhether college is in the picture or not. Here are three ways you can support their educational and career journey.

To succeed in the new, ever-changing workforce, your child will need robust academic knowledge, technical competency, and professional skillsa trifecta of competitive, economic advantage. And your support can make it happen. No prison time required.

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You Dont Have To Go To Jail To Give Your Kid An Edge - Forbes