Many people of color and women are crowded into low-wage jobs — not because they lack talent, but because of systemic barriers in education and workforce systems. These systems often fail to provide the support, guidance, and connections needed to access good jobs — frequently falling short, long before someone enters a training program. As a result, many workers remain concentrated in lower-wage jobs, with little opportunity for advancement and few pathways to career success.

This initiative aims to disrupt this cycle. By bringing together community colleges, employers, and workforce leaders, the National Fund and our Network Partners are helping communities remove exclusionary practices, align training with real opportunities, and create more equitable pathways to high-quality careers. The goal is a more inclusive workforce system where everyone has a fair shot at success — no matter their background or zip code.