Across Most Essential Roles, STARs are the Majority

Two-thirds of essential workers are Skilled Through Alternative Routes. As we work to recover, the rich, untapped talent pool of STARs' skills is critical — and essential.

More on Essential STARs

The majority of Americans lack a college degree. Why do so many employers require one?

College-degree discrimination has become so widespread that many take it for granted.

As Talent Demands Increase, STARs Are The Solution

STARs – workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes, other than a bachelor’s degree – are exactly what is needed to build a stronger workforce, and a more inclusive talent ecosystem, for the 21st century.

STARs have been essential during COVID-19

More than half of the nation’s 142 million active workforce are STARs, skilled workers without four-year college degrees.

Black STARs Have Always Been Essential, But Will We Recognize It?

Two-thirds of our 63 million essential workers are Skilled through Alternative Routes (STARs) instead of through a four-year college degree.

About 60 million jobs have been deemed essential during the COVID-19 crisis

Two-thirds of essential workers are STARs. This data story demonstrates their contributions to COVID-19 response and the disparate impacts of the pandemic on women and people of color.