Making Opportunities Possible
In today's environment, success requires individuals, families, employers, and educators to play critical connected roles
For Individuals: Build A Career, Don't Just Find A Job
Americans are looking for avenues that can help them reach their goals while setting some clear limitations on the time and money they are willing to dedicate to starting a new career. The right career path has to work in real life. Time, cost, personal goals, and opportunities for continued growth all shape which choices are practical.
70%
of Americans would spend one year or less training for a new career
70%
of Americans would spend $2,500 or less out of pocket on career training
47%
of Americans are confident they can increase their income by at least 25% over the next five years
What This Means For Career Decisions
Evaluate Long-Term Opportunity
Look beyond immediate openings. Consider demand, earning potential, and room for advancement.
build skills that adapt
Combine technical expertise with communication, problem solving, adaptability, and digital fluency.
keep learning
Look beyond immediate openings. Consider demand, earning potential, and room for advancement.
For Families: Support Learner Interests And Curiosities
Families help shape how young people understand which paths are possible, valuable, and worth pursuing. Families play an imperative role in introducing and exploring postsecondary pathways with teens and young adults.
83%
Of Americans believe the best path after high school has changed compared with 10 years ago.
What Is Driving The Change?
23%
Availability of good-paying skilled trades jobs
21%
Cost of college
12%
Advances in AI and technology
How Families Can Help
expand awareness
Present four-year degrees alongside community college, apprenticeships, workforce credentials, and career-focused training.
consider outcomes
Weigh career demand, earnings potential, education costs, and opportunities for advancement.
explore careers earlier
Help students understand industries, occupations, and education pathways before postsecondary decisions are made.
For Employers: Build Talent, Don’t Just Compete for It
Employers facing persistent talent gaps have two valuable paths forward: broaden entry points and strengthen the pathways that help people advance. This means looking beyond traditional degrees and investing in development after hire. With 34% of U.S. adults holding a non-degree credential, employers may be overlooking a substantial pool of qualified talent.
34%
Of U.S. adults hold a non-degree credential
Three Ways Employers Can Act
build talent pipelines
Use apprenticeships, work-based learning, and community and education partnerships to connect with future talent earlier.
Recognize More Ways to Be Qualified
Consider certificates, certifications, apprenticeships, portfolios, and demonstrated skills alongside traditional degrees.
Create Paths for Growth
Invest in existing talent and make opportunities for advancement, skill development, and internal mobility more visible.
For Educators: Provide Earlier Exposure To Pathways
Academic preparation matters, but students also need to understand where their learning can lead and the different ways they can get there. Earlier exposure to careers can help students make more informed decisions about education, training, and work.
Where Should High Schools Place Greater Emphasis?
Respondents were asked which areas high schools should prioritize to better prepare students for life after graduation.
Top Priorities Identified
41%
Job-ready skills
29%
Financial literacy
29%
Career exploration
Three Ways Educators Can Act
Start Career Exploration Earlier
Introduce students to industries, occupations, employers, and career pathways well before graduation.
Present Multiple Pathways
Provide balanced information about college, apprenticeships, industry credentials, and career-focused education.
