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"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.

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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.

Opportunity At Work STARs

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

Want more stories of STARs, employers, and the paper ceiling? Subscribe to our podcast hosted by LaShana Lewis — a business owner, STAR, and the face of the Tear the Paper Ceiling campaign.

STARs Resource Library

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Year Up Course Catalog

Year Up Course Catalog

Skills-based job training that matches the expertise corporate partners are seeking.

Year Up

Trainings & Certifications

Year Up Course Catalog

Year Up Course Catalog

Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe

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.

NACCE/SkillPointe

Career Exploration

Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe

Unlock Your STAR Potential: Navigating New Career Horizons with SkillPointe

Merit America Course Catalog

Merit America Course Catalog

Gain industry-recognized credentials in 14 weeks without quitting your day job.

Merit America

Trainings & Certifications

Merit America Course Catalog

Merit America Course Catalog

Interview Prep

Interview Prep

Test your knowledge of each phase of the interview process and learn how to ace your next interview.

CareerCircle

Tools

Interview Prep

Interview Prep

SkillUp Job Board

SkillUp Job Board

Full-time jobs that don't require a degree.

SkillUp

Job Boards

SkillUp Job Board

SkillUp Job Board

Find a Future Online Platform

Find a Future Online Platform

Career opportunities across Stores & Clubs, Corporate, Healthcare, and Technology.

Walmart

Job Boards

Find a Future Online Platform

Find a Future Online Platform

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STARs Resource Library

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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

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