Hispanics represent almost one in five workers in the workforce and they are overrepresented in lower-wage occupations. Removing degree requirements could open career pathways for nearly 1 in 4 Hispanic STARs, enabling them to transition into similarly-skilled jobs where the median wage is 62% higher.
Millions of Americans are locked out of better jobs simply because they lack a four-year degree. Yet these workers have skills that companies desperately need – skills they developed through military service, in training programs, at community colleges, on the job, or through other alternatives to college. It’s time for more employers to recognize and value individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs).
At Opportunity@Work, we envision a world where STARs have a fair chance to achieve the American Dream — with fulfilling jobs, rewarding careers, and better lives for themselves and their families.
Here’s how we’ll realize that vision:
We are connecting employers with STARs.
We are connecting employers with training providers and STARs through the rapid scaling of our online marketplace which will make it faster and easier for employers to hire STARs.
We are accelerating learning and investment in support of STARs.
We are inviting partners to share insights, and test solutions on behalf of STARs, sharing what we learn with the entire workforce development field.
Stay connected as we work to expand career opportunities for STARs!
Workday Foundation, JFF, Opportunity@Work, SkillUp Coalition Launch Bay Area Opportunity Onramps to Help 5,000 Workers Without College Degrees Restart Their Careers
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$5+ million funding round demonstrates a significant commitment to workers Skilled Through Alternate Routes (STARs)
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Opportunity@Work announces the acquisition of LaborX to accelerate equitable economic recovery; expand opportunity for the more than 70 million STARs
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