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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 75+ 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

72%

of employers surveyed think that the system is biased, unfair, or needs to change.²

95%

of employers surveyed who have seen or heard the PSAs are interested in hiring STARs.³

See The Impact

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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No Degree, No Problem

No Degree, No Problem

Finding work that values your skills.

Indeed

Playbooks

No Degree, No Problem

No Degree, No Problem

Towards Employment Training Programs

Towards Employment Training Programs

Free career training and certifications in manufacturing, healthcare, construction, and IT in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.

Towards Employment

Trainings & Certifications

Towards Employment Training Programs

Towards Employment Training Programs

Explore Open Jobs

Explore Open Jobs

Connects jobseekers with real opportunities that value skills, drive, and potential—not just degrees.

Year Up Professional Resources (YUPRO)

Job Boards

Explore Open Jobs

Explore Open Jobs

What interests you the most?

What interests you the most?

Best career paths start where your interests meet.

Roadtrip Nation

Career Exploration

What interests you the most?

What interests you the most?

Browse Courses on Tallo

Browse Courses on Tallo

Discover thousands of courses from top institutions and platforms worldwide.

Tallo

Trainings & Certifications

Browse Courses on Tallo

Browse Courses on Tallo

Apprenticeships: What Are They

Apprenticeships: What Are They

How apprenticeships can break down barriers and send your resume to the top.

Year Up Professional Resources (YUPRO)

Career Exploration

Apprenticeships: What Are They

Apprenticeships: What Are They

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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 75+ 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.

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