Drive policy change for a skills-based labor market
Opportunity@Work supports policy makers, government leaders, and policy advocates in advancing policies that enable skills-based talent practices, align public and private systems for learning and earning, and build infrastructure to support lifelong worker growth in the age of AI.
Work with us to Tear the Paper Ceiling
Since 2020, the federal government, more than half of U.S. states, and a growing number of local governments have made bold commitments to increase access to public sector careers to anyone with the skills for the job. Utilizing executive and legislative actions, many governments have removed unnecessary degree requirements for roles and moved to skills as core to meeting minimum qualifications for jobs.
Join a growing movement that is tapping into all of the talent that exists in their communities and workforces to meet talent needs.
We have supported the federal government, more than half of the 31 states, and numerous local leaders with model executive orders/legislation, policy advice, advocacy mobilization, and cutting-edge research to support policy design and passage.
Reach out to learn how we can support you with:
Narrative & Storytelling
Opportunity@Work combines data-driven insights with compelling human stories to build a narrative unique to your context to power policy change, build bipartisan support, and drive systems change that expands economic opportunity.
Data & Insights
We deliver rigorous, real-time labor market data and analysis on all workers, including STARs, revealing untapped talent and systemic barriers. These insights give policymakers the evidence base needed to design targeted, effective, and scalable workforce policies.
Policy Design
We partner with federal, state, and local leaders — like governors, legislators, mayors, and county executives — to
- remove unnecessary degree requirements and implement skills-based talent practices for public sector jobs and contract solicitations;
- consider licensing requirements and portability;
- encourage work-based learning pathways (like apprenticeships);
- support private sector adoption of skills-based talent strategies; and more.
Check out our policy agenda for the full suite of our policy priority areas.
Coalition Building
We mobilize diverse stakeholders — including business leaders, community organizations, and workers — to advocate for policies that expand access to jobs and skills-based hiring. These efforts amplify voices, build broad support, and create momentum for actionable, equitable workforce solutions.
Join the STARs Public Sector Hub
Opportunity@Work’s STARs Public Sector Hub equips public sector leaders with resources, community, and technical assistance to advance and implement policy designed to support skills-based talent practices. Join today to access analytics & insights, research & resources, narrative design support, exclusive events and webinars, and a peer network to share best practices.
Policy Resources
Browse our resource library for research, briefs, memos, testimonies and advocacy to advance policies that support building a skilled labor market for all.
State Commitments to Remove Degree Requirements
This paper examines the impact of policy commitments on public perceptions, media coverage, and job posting practices in the time following their adoption.
Activating Talent in the Public Sector
The STAR Mobility Compass provides a realistic approach to boosting STAR mobility in the public sector.
Transforming the Public Sector Workforce
Read our latest Brookings Institute blog on how states are catalyzing awareness to drive action for workers without bachelor’s degrees.
Removing Degree Requirements
Our Brookings Institute blog highlights how states are leading the effort to remove degree requirements from government jobs.
States Tearing the Paper Ceiling
Our Brookings Institute blog explains how states are tearing the 'paper ceiling' and making good jobs available to workers without degrees.