The landscape of higher education is changing. With rising college costs, many question its value as the only path to a good career. Meanwhile, 53 million Americans are stuck in low-wage jobs with little financial security.
What if low-wage work could be a launch pad, not a life sentence? This session explores how organizations, philanthropists, impact investors, and participants can collaborate to create scalable pathways to the middle class. We'll discuss how impact investors can finance these solutions sustainably and scalably at the national level, and how workforce development organizations can implement them to drive meaningful community impact.
Attendees will receive a blueprint for success, highlighting how local philanthropic contributions can drive innovative solutions tailored to community needs.
Speakers
Jenn Rosen
Solutions Insights Lab Research Manager
Solutions Journalism Network
Jordan Blashek
Managing Partner and Co-Founder
America's Frontier Fund
Tony Emerson-Zetina
Program Director
Crankstart Foundation
Alicia MacHale
Alum
Merit America
Rebecca Taber Staehelin
Co-Founder & Co-CEO
Merit America