Only 4 in 10 Americans have a quality job. The work to improve this can begin today. The 2026 American Job Quality Study shows that not enough American workers have quality jobs. JFF research identifies…
Insights from a National Survey of College Students A national survey of 1,000 students and alumni finds strong interest in built environment careers but weak bridges from college to work. Build the bridge together The…
California’s Proactive Approach to Elevating Careers via Skills-Informed Degrees This essay is part of an ongoing series of collaborative work between Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO), exploring…
Drawing on insights from a gathering of workforce and education leaders, we outline five no-regret steps to prepare people and organizations for a labor market increasingly shaped by agentic AI. The central message was clear:…
Reimagining Postsecondary Education for Adult Learners Eight California colleges are rethinking how they serve adult learners—simplifying complex systems, strengthening belonging, and creating more flexible pathways to credentials and economic mobility. Throughout California and across the…
Three sector partnerships show how regional workforce leaders can use data, employer relationships, and flexible strategies to adapt to economic change and build stronger pathways to quality jobs. Introduction Industry-led workforce development depends on strong…
Today's learners deserve credential paths that are flexible, relevant, and valuable Postsecondary education must move beyond rigid, time-based structures toward learner-centered models that recognize skills, increase flexibility, connect learning to economic opportunity, and better serve…
Success stories and opportunities for growth in Athens, Georgia Partners in Athens show that listening to students and employers can strengthen dual enrollment and work-based learning by improving access, alignment, advising, and employer-fit. Thank you…
Small and mid-sized businesses employ nearly half of U.S. workers, yet most skills-first tools target large enterprises. Through JFF’s eight-month partnership, six businesses codesigned practical, skills-based talent solutions. Key Takeaways Starting skills-first transformation at the…