Investing in STARs at Scale: Building a Sustainable, Inclusive Workforce

Millions of workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) are locked out of higher-wage jobs due to outdated hiring practices that prioritize degrees over skills. Yet, employers across industries report persistent talent shortages, and the labor market continues to underutilize the potential of these workers. To close this opportunity gap, a growing movement of leaders partners in philanthropy, workforce development, and corporate hiring is taking action to drive systemic change and rewire the labor market to drive economic opportunity for STARs — and build a stronger and more resilient economy in the process.
A key initiative in this effort is the STARs Fund, a concept pioneered by the national nonprofit Opportunity@Work to connect the dots across the workforce ecosystem and create a flywheel effect that scales skills-first hiring. By bringing together employers, policymakers, talent developers, and impact investors, the STARs Fund aims to catalyze a shift toward sustainable, scalable financing models that invest in STARs as a critical workforce solution.
This panel will explore how impact-driven investment, cross-sector collaboration, and skills-based hiring can unlock economic mobility for STARs and create a more equitable labor market. Panelists will share insights on shifting employer hiring norms, leveraging data and technology to connect STARs to quality jobs, and rethinking workforce financing models to drive sustainable change. The conversation will highlight real-world examples of how employers, funders, and policymakers are coming together to tear down barriers and scale inclusive hiring practices.
mki9l