Tear
the Paper Ceiling

Workers with experience, skills, and diverse perspectives – held back by a silent limitation.

It’s time to tear the paper ceiling and see the world beyond it.

I pledge to shatter stereotypes and misconceptions and to see people for all of their experiences, skills, and diverse perspectives.

I pledge to recognize the untapped potential of the 70+ million American workers who are STARs – Skilled Through Alternative Routes – so they can flourish.

I pledge to tear the paper ceiling, to see the world beyond it, and to let STARs shine.

Sign the pledge to tear the paper ceiling

Let’s send a clear message that it’s time to tear the
paper ceiling.

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You’ve taken the first step in tearing the paper ceiling. Stay tuned for important updates, information and stories related to the campaign.

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You Can Help Tear the Paper Ceiling

Every day, millions of workers are shut out of good jobs, while employers struggle to find the right hires for open roles.

The problem is fixable -- but we need your help.

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We believe the skills you have matter more than where you got them

Opportunity@Work is a nonprofit dedicated to advancing economic opportunities for the more than 70 million U.S. workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs) instead of through a bachelor’s degree.

We teamed up with the Ad Council to raise awareness of STARs and the paper ceiling through this national campaign.

Learn more about Opportunity@Work

Check out our rating on CharityNavigator

What Your Donation Supports

Your donation directly fuels the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign — a national effort reaching millions of employers, STARs, and policymakers to raise awareness, shift hiring norms, and open access to more higher-wage jobs. Donations help us:

Expand the reach of our advertising to new platforms – like this partnership with the Atlantic on Instagram.

Bring in new media partners to launch fresh, creative ideas – like Timm Chiusano, an influencer (and STAR) sharing his thoughts on YouTube.

Amplify the voices and stories of STARs across the country – like Aliyah, whose story lit up Times Square, NYC.

The Impact So Far

700k+ jobs
have been regained by STARs since 2020, reversing a decades-long decline.
150k+ people
visit this website every month to learn about STARs and the paper ceiling.
83% of employers
who have seen the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign say they are more likely to hire STARs now than 2–3 years ago.
Over half of all U.S. states
have pledged to remove degree requirements and open jobs to STARs.

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People who can DO the job should be able to GET the job. Make a donation today.

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