Introduction

The global workforce is rapidly changing both in its demographics and in terms of jobs and skills required for economic stability or mobility. Further, emerging markets—such as those in China, India, and Africa—are fostering urgent conversations and actions to address increased competition. Traditional education, credentialing, and mechanisms for workforce development have not adjusted to these demands, causing shortages in trained workers while college access and employment stratification by race and socioeconomic status continue to ring equity alarms. Further, automation and job elimination have been put into overdrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, and young people are being edged out of employment opportunities necessary for financial stability as they move through school toward valuable employment.