Our Theory of Change

Increasing skills and credentials requires changes in practice, policy and bold leadership of postsecondary institutions and workforce development systems. To date, significant resources have produced information on promising practice and what works with students. Policy papers have been developed that provide useful recommendations of what must change (accountability structure, financing, regulation, etc). Additionally, work in data and systems has focused on measuring current levels and building capacity to measure progress.

However, these promising practices, policy resources and data systems have not been sufficient to produce large-scale and lasting change. Moving from the status quo is risky; and it threatens the existing systems, roles, and structures. Innovative leaders on the inside will play a significant role in producing change, but they need support from Champions from the outside, who have the influence, connections, and tenacity to stand up for the reforms, support the leaders on the inside, and raise the stakes.

We need strong, informed, credible and influential external stakeholders who are organized, invested and willing to speak out and work in support of change. Business leaders are a key part of this external group, and if developed, can be invaluable resources.