It's time to create a labor market where all talent can shine
Together we're advancing skills-first solutions for STARs — workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
A skills-first labor market means more opportunities for American workers
Not that long ago, STARs provided employers with a reliable pipeline of skilled talent. In exchange, companies provided pathways to upward economic mobility for STARs.
Yet over the past 20 years, STARs have been denied access to almost 7.4 million middle- and high-wage jobs, while employers can't find the talent they need for critical roles. Together we can reverse the trend.
STARs have the skills employers need
Half of the U.S. workforce has earned skills on-the-job or through military service, community college, and certificate programs, rather than a bachelor's degree. Those skills qualify them for good-paying jobs, but barriers persist.
We aim to generate $100 billion in wage gains for STARs
Opportunity@Work is raising awareness and driving action by providing insights, customized tools, and services to advance skills-first hiring practices so STARs can thrive. Alongside our partners we're working to enable upward mobility for 1 million STARs by opening up 10 million good-paying jobs, and boost their earnings by 100 billion dollars by 2035.
We're making progress, but no organization can do this alone – we must work together, on purpose.
Our Solutions
STARs Research and Data
Our analytical and research capabilities inform the nation’s understanding of STARs' potential and uncover insights that show how to make positive economic change within regions and industries.
STARs Talent Category Narrative
We reverse misperceptions and correct the narrative about STARs and their skills through public advocacy, including our national advertising campaign, “Tear the Paper Ceiling.”
STAR-Inclusive Tech Tools
We scale skills-first solutions with our talent tech partners by delivering STARs data and insights – enhanced by generative AI – through our “STARSight” tools and APIs.
STAR-Centered Networks
Opportunity@Work activates multi-sector networks – such as our Tear the Paper Ceiling Coalition and our STARs Public Sector Hub – across public, private, nonprofit, and philanthropic organizations to pilot and mainstream skills-first practices.
Get Involved
Invest in our mission
Join other leading philanthropies in addressing one of our country’s most pressing economic challenges.
Join the STARs Public Sector Hub
Federal, state, and local government leaders have access to resources, data, and a community of experts addressing their most pressing workforce challenges with STARs.
Join the 'Tear the Paper Ceiling' Coalition
Dozens of America’s most respected companies are vocally supporting STARs and developing their own skills-first strategies.
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Share your STAR story
Join our national public awareness campaign and share your story—as a STAR or as someone who believes every STAR can shine.
Success Stories
People told LaShana Lewis that she's "one in a million." But she knew she's actually one of millions.
LaShana Lewis, STAR
A dedicated sales academy opens doors for STARs while meeting key business needs.
Microsoft
A statewide initiative reimagines talent practices to build a more inclusive, future-ready workforce.
State of Colorado
Latest Updates
April 24, 2025 at 3:30 EDT / 6:30 PDT
The Progress and Impact of Commitments to Skills-Based Hiring in the Public Sector
National nonprofit expands work with federal, state, and local leaders to support the 70 million workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs)