Real-Time Takes: STARs – Success Stories Despite the Odds

Did you know that if you are at least 25, have a high-school diploma but not a four-year degree, and are currently active in the workforce, you are a STAR (Skilled Through Alternative Routes)?

Although over 50% of the workforce are STARs (more than 70 million people), the job market deliberately prioritizes and rewards those with degrees.1 Opportunity@Work, in partnership with the Ad Council, launched ‘Tear the Paper Ceiling’, a campaign dedicated to advancing opportunities for STARs. Their research finds that while 67% of job descriptions require a four-year degree, only 30% of positions truly need a degree.2 Despite the need for qualified workers, employers continue to prefer and demand candidates with four-year degrees over STARs with relevant experience and knowledge.

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Tracy Patton

Tracy Patton struggled with a lifetime of addiction. Her experiences battling addiction and returning from incarceration fuel her commitment to community and to other women struggling with addiction. Tracy went through Towards Employment in 2012 and started a career pathway in hospitality. After five years, she found her way to providing direct assistance to women addressing mental health and dependency. She is currently a Substance Use Disorder Counselor, a Quality Mental Health Specialist, a Smoking Cessation Specialist and the founder of Survived To Live For Women In Recovery.

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LaTonya Cliff

LaTonya Cliff is a Case Manager at Towards Employment working with young men and women, hoping that they can learn from their experiences and find the strength and connections needed to build a career. She knows firsthand how trauma, violence and abuse can lead to bad decisions and chaos, and as she listens to the younger participants and graduates of Towards Employment, her life and career journey provide a foundation she uses to provide council, understanding and inspiration.

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Ronnie Cannon

Ronnie Cannon is a respected member of the Cleveland community. He is a father, a colleague, sits on non-profit boards and serves on citywide initiatives. He is committed to making sure fellow Clevelanders know they are greater than their worst action. As a young person, Ronnie made a decision that influenced the trajectory of his life, and this experience continues to shape his actions, to the benefit of many. He came to Towards Employment in 2012 and advanced steadily – he is currently a member of the leadership Towards Employment team, serving as the Senior Manager of Community Engagement.

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