"I am more than who I am on paper."
Find resources to advance your career and tear the paper ceiling, Let's get to work.
.png)
STARs are Rising
You are not alone! There's a growing movement to recognize the skills and potential of the 70+ million STARs like you - workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes, rather than a bachelor's degree. In fact, 4 million STARs have already torn the paper ceiling⁴. proving that STARs have the skills for jobs that pay over $70,000/year. Here you'll find profiles of some of those STARs to inspire you, resources to help you find higher-wage jobs or build new skills, and other ways you can help tear the paper ceiling while advancing your career.
When STARs make themselves heard, employers listen
19%
of STARs nationwide publicly describe themselves as a "STAR".¹
83%
of U.S. employers think that the system is biased, unfair, and needs to change.²
95%
of U.S. employers who have seen this campaign are interested in hiring STARs.³
STARs are All Around Us
Get inspired by stories of STARs and companies tearing the paper ceiling, then create a custom story card to share your own story on social media. Every story matters, especially yours.
Paperless Pathways Podcast
Start Tearing Here
Here are 3 ways you can tear the paper ceiling by advancing your career. Scroll down to filter or browse our complete library of resources.
STARs Coach by CareerVillage
Free AI coach to supercharge your job search and navigate the job market with confidence.
STARs Coach by CareerVillage
STARs Coach by CareerVillage
You're a STAR — And that's something to celebrate
Guide to thriving as a STAR: tools and resources to help you succeed in your career journey.
You're a STAR — And that's something to celebrate
You're a STAR — And that's something to celebrate
Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe
Discover a rewarding career path that doesn't require a bachelor's degree with SkillPointe.
Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe
Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe
STARs Resource Library
Career Change Tool
Practical guidance and tools for making a successful career switch.
The Skills Matcher
Rate yourself on 40 key workplace skills to discover career options matched to your strengths.
My IT Path
Plan your IT career, step by step, with CompTIA's career exploration and certification pathways.
My Next Move
Streamlined career search and discovery tool for students and job seekers.
SkillPointe
Free platform for exploring in-demand, skills-based careers and finding local training programs and financial resources — no 4-year degree required.
What interests you the most?
Best career paths start where your interests meet.
Join your peers in
signing the pledge
Tear
the Paper Ceiling
I am a STAR. My skills are real. My experience is valuable. I pledge to see myself clearly and define myself not by what's missing from my resume, but by everything I have to offer.
I pledge to own my story and to speak openly about the skills I've built through work, training, and life experience.
I pledge to stand with the community of 70+ million workers in America like me, and to support them by sharing my own lessons from encountering and overcoming barriers.
I pledge to tear the paper ceiling, to see the world beyond it, and to let all 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.
Thanks for signing the pledge.
You’ve taken the first step in tearing the paper ceiling. Stay tuned for important updates, information and stories related to the campaign.
total Signatures