Tear the Paper Ceiling

Together with the Ad Council and dozens of partners, Opportunity@Work is uniting workers and employers to tear the paper ceiling and see the STARs beyond it.

Definition

The Paper Ceiling

(n) the invisible barrier that comes at every turn for workers without a bachelor’s degree.

‍See also: no alumni network, biased algorithms, degree screens, stereotypes, and misperceptions.

It’s time to Tear the Paper Ceiling

Our multiyear, nationwide public service campaign, developed in partnership with the Ad Council, is telling a new story about the 70 million workers in the U.S who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes instead of a bachelor's degree.

The campaign pairs Opportunity@Work’s labor market insights with award-winning videos and captivating visuals developed by renown creative agency Ogilvy.

Like the AdCouncil’s many iconic public awareness campaigns, such as Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk, Smokey Bear, and Love Has No Labels, the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign engages the public across many communications platforms and is supported by donated media from partners around the country.

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'Tear the Paper Ceiling' Coalition

Brought together by the shared belief that "if you can do the job, you can get the job," Opportunity@Work leads a group of forward-thinking organizations uniting to tear the paper ceiling.

The Tear the Paper Ceiling Coalition, launched in 2022, brings together a diverse, ever-expanding group of leading businesses, philanthropies, and workforce organizations to publicly voice support for STARs and amplify successful skills-first talent practices.

“Being part of the Tear the Paper Ceiling is, in many ways, an extension of work that Indeed has been doing for years to fix outdated, inefficient hiring approaches. We’re excited to build on that work and join a group of like-minded organizations seeking to match STARs with great employers.”

Parisa Fatehi-Weeks, Senior Director of Global ESG Programs & Partnerships

Indeed

“Our dedication to creating opportunity for all, through robust programs including the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign, will enable further enhancement of a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities where we live and operate.”

Amy Volz
Director, Workforce Innovation

Trane Technologies

Ready to Tear?

Whether you’re a STAR, an employer, a workforce advocate, or anyone seeking to create a more equitable future, you can help tear the paper ceiling and see the world beyond it.