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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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SkillUp Career & Training Resources

SkillUp Career & Training Resources

Free and low-cost training programs, career coaching, job tips, and more.

SkillUp Coalition

Career Exploration

SkillUp Career & Training Resources

SkillUp Career & Training Resources

SkillUp Job Board

SkillUp Job Board

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

SkillUp

Job Boards

SkillUp Job Board

SkillUp Job Board

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

Continuing Education Catalog

Continuing Education Catalog

Online catalog of continuing education and workforce classes.

Northern Virginia Community College

Trainings & Certifications

Continuing Education Catalog

Continuing Education Catalog

Learning Tracks Online Learning

Learning Tracks Online Learning

Online learning platform preparing workers for tech entry-level jobs.

Climb Hire

Trainings & Certifications

Learning Tracks Online Learning

Learning Tracks Online Learning

Resume Builder

Resume Builder

Build a professional resume in minutes that will get you noticed by today's top employers.

CareerCircle

Tools

Resume Builder

Resume Builder

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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

47219