Shedding Light on Rural STARs

Despite the economic challenges and demographic shifts facing rural communities, rural STARs have the potential to drive growth and innovation in their communities. By focusing on the unique strengths and challenges of rural STARs, we can build a more inclusive and resilient labor market that benefits both rural workers and the broader economy.

The following report from ACT and Opportunity@Work explores the challenges and opportunities facing rural STARs, while also highlighting the potential of leveraging data-driven tools and STAR-centered workforce initiatives to better support a vital yet often overlooked segment of the U.S. workforce.

Understanding Rural STARs

Rural communities play a crucial role in the American labor force. Approximately 16 million workers age 25 and older live in rural communities, making up 11% of the active U.S. prime-age labor force. With 65% of rural workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs), these individuals often rely on skills developed through military experience, training, and work experiences rather than bachelor’s degrees. However, STARs face distinct challenges, from slower economic recovery to wage disparities when compared to their urban counterparts.

Changes in Mobility and Employment

Rural STARs encounter unique obstacles, including fewer job opportunities and lower wages. Rural regions typically have less access to workforce development resources and receive only 6 to 7% of all philanthropic funding. These factors limit STARs’ mobility and job options, particularly in growing sectors where bachelor’s degree requirements often present barriers.

The Role of ACT Work Ready Communities

The ACT^® Work Ready Communities^® (WRC^®) initiative is helping to bridge rural-urban economic gap by supporting STARs in rural communities.

Through data-driven tools and the ACT^® WorkKeys^® National Career Readiness Certificate™(NCRC^®), Work Ready Communities are measuring and closing local skills gaps through common workforce development frameworks that connect job-seekers to employers. More than 550 ACT Work Ready Communities are engaging with 28,000 employers across the United States to help drive economic growth.

Building a Future for Rural STARs

By adopting a STAR-centered approach to workforce development and leveraging data-driven tools like the STARs Mobility Data Model and the ACT Work Ready Communities initiative, stakeholders can better understand the needs of rural STARs and create targeted interventions that promote their economic mobility.

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Download the Rural STARs Report

Discover More Research

Look to the STARs

Employers can find the talent they need, transform their local and regional labor markets, and boost STAR mobility by embracing a collective approach to skills-based job pathways.

Barriers and Breakthroughs

The STAR Barriers and Breakthroughs Framework identifies six key contributors to STAR economic mobility and the many interventions and investments that can support a STAR’s career progression.

Reach for the STARs

There is a vast overlooked talent pool of 70+ million workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs). These are workers who have a high school diploma or equivalent and do not have a four-year college degree but do have the skills to perform higher-wage work today.