The effort continues to help American workers gain entry into good careers, according to Ryan Kelsey, executive director of partnership development, Markle Foundation.

WorkingNation sat down with Kelsey at the ASU+GSV Summit in San Diego.

Kelsey explains the foundation’s commitment to creating that pathway. “Our primary initiative is we’re supporting a coalition of organizations called the Rework America Alliance, which is supporting civil rights organizations, nonprofits, trainers, educators, employers, and other philanthropies, all to try to help more people who don’t have a bachelor’s degree find an upwardly mobile career. Particularly with a focus on Black, Latino and women populations who are often marginalized from opportunities for better careers.”

He says career coaching and navigation, translating skills on a resume, and getting employers to consider those without four-year degrees are keys to getting people into good jobs.

Kelsey is not dismissive of college degrees, but adds, “Where we might need to see some more open mindedness is which careers are the ones for which that’s really relevant. What can we do to bring skills and experiences forward for those for whom a bachelor degree is not something that’s on the path for them, at least not in the short-term?”

Learn more about Markle Foundation.