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How the shifting economic landscape is reshaping work and society and affecting the way people think about the skills and training they need to get ahead WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 6, 2016) – A changing economic landscape is driving significant shifts in the American workplace. Employment opportunities increasingly lie in jobs requiring higher-level social or analytical skills, while physical or manual skills are fading in importance, according to a new Pew Research Center survey conducted in association with the Markle Foundation. Not coincidentally, an analysis of government jobs data finds that employment is rising faster in jobs calling for greater preparation. The number of workers in occupations requiring average to above-average education, training and experience increased 68% from 1980 to 2015. This was more than double the 31% increase in employment in jobs requiring below-average education, training and experience. For their part, the vast majority of U.S. workers say that new skills and training may hold the key to their future job success. New survey data find that 54% of adults in the labor force say it will be essential for them to get training and develop new skills throughout their work life in order to keep up with changes in the workplace, and another 33% say it will be important to do so. Workers are acting on this belief, with 45% saying they’ve taken a class or received training in the past year to learn, maintain or improve their work skills. Americans believe the responsibility for preparing and succeeding in today’s workforce starts with individuals themselves. Roughly seven-in-ten (72%) say that individuals have “a lot” of responsibility to make sure workers have the right skills and education to be successful, while 60% believe public K-12 schools should bear a lot of responsibility for this. Smaller shares say colleges and universities (52%), employers (49%), state governments (40%) and the federal government (35%) should have a lot of responsibility. A majority of Americans (65%) say that good jobs are difficult to find where they live, but views of the situation have improved since the height of the Great Recession. However, on the whole, American workers are generally satisfied with their own jobs: 49% of American workers say they are very satisfied with their current job, while three-in-ten are somewhat satisfied. And most Americans overall feel their own jobs are secure; 60% of employed Americans say it is not at all likely that they will lose their job or be laid off in the next 12 months. The earnings of workers overall have stagnated since 1980, lagging behind gains in labor productivity. Moreover, smaller shares of workers received health or retirement benefits from their employers in 2015 than did in 1980. More recently, alternative employment arrangements, such as contract work, on-call work and temporary help agencies, appear to be on the rise. As they look at the future, large numbers of Americans believe the demands on workers will intensify and job security will diminish in the coming 20 to 30 years. Roughly seven-in-ten Americans (71%) say that workers will have to improve their skills more often in the future in order to keep up with job-related developments. About half (51%) think there will be less job security in 20 to 30 years, and a plurality (44%) believes employee benefits will not be as good in the future. When it comes to worker loyalty, 43% say employees will show less loyalty to their employers in the future, while an identical share believe the current levels of loyalty will prevail. The new report, based on an analysis of Department of Labor and Current Population Survey data and a national survey conducted May 25-June 29, 2016, among 5,006 adults (including 3,096 employed adults), examines trends in the labor market and how they are playing out in the lives of American workers. Among the findings:Americans see outsourcing jobs and imports of foreign goods as the greatest harms to U.S. workers, but they believe exporting more U.S. products abroad helps U.S. workers. As they assess the factors that may be hurting U.S. workers, 80% say outsourcing hurts American workers, and 77% say the same about more foreign-made products being sold in the U.S. Many also cite the increased use of contract and temporary workers (57%) and the decline of union membership (49%) as harmful factors. The impact of immigrants and automation draw more evenly divided verdicts. On the other end of the spectrum, majorities think exports of U.S.-made products (68%) and work-enhancing technology such as the internet and email (70%) help U.S. workers. Americans are less worried about immigrants’ impact on jobs than they were a decade ago. Today, 45% of adults say that the growing number of immigrants working in the U.S. hurts workers, and 42% say having more immigrants helps workers. This is a noteworthy change from 2006, when there was a nearly two-to-one view that the growing number of immigrants hurts U.S. workers (55% vs. 28% who said immigrants help workers). Democrats, blacks and those with less than a high school diploma are all notably more likely now than in 2006 to think the growing number of immigrants helps workers. The shifting demand for skills in the modern workplace may be working to the benefit of women. Women, who represent 47% of the overall workforce, make up the majority of workers in jobs where social or analytical skills are relatively more important. Wages are rising much faster in those jobs, which has likely contributed to the shrinking of the gender pay gap from 1980 to 2015. People have been staying at their jobs longer in recent years. In 2014, about half of workers (51%) had worked for their current employer five years or more, compared with 46% of workers in 1996. Educational attainment is a clear and consistent marker when it comes to feelings about job security and future prospects. While 39% of those without a high school education say it is very or fairly likely they may be laid off in the next 12 months, only 7% of those with a bachelor’s degree or more say the same. Those with lower levels of education also are more likely to feel their current skills are insufficient for career advancement and to think there are not good jobs locally. Americans have somewhat mixed attitudes about the effectiveness of traditional higher education institutions. While many college graduates describe their own experience as having a positive impact on their personal and professional development, just 16% of all Americans think that a four-year degree prepares students “very well” for a well-paying job in today’s economy. An additional 51% say this type of degree prepares students “somewhat well” for the workplace. You can read the report online at https://www.markle.org/stateofamericanjobs or http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/10/06/the-state-of-american-jobs. Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It does not take policy positions. The Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. Subscribe to the Center’s daily and weekly email newsletters or follow its Fact Tank blog. The Markle Foundation works to realize the potential of information technology as a breakthrough tool for some of the nation’s most challenging problems. It leads a broad collaboration to Rework America to create good jobs and prepare people for today’s rapidly changing digital economy. Markle’s Skillful initiative is returning economic opportunities to Americans without a college diploma. For more information, visit markle.org, skillful.com and follow @MarkleFdn on Twitter. Download
Contact: Lisa MacSpadden The Markle Foundation 212-713-7686 [email protected] New York—A new national survey sponsored and developed by the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative, the Markle Foundation, Burson-Marsteller and TIME looks at how companies are coping with new employment models such as the growth of contingent and contract work and the On-Demand Economy. The survey was conducted by research firm Penn Schoen Berland (PSB). According to the Workforce of the Future Survey, a majority of all employers, 56 percent, say having a full-time employee makes it easier to accommodate the ebbs and flows in work volume and report that contract workers are less loyal or invested. Conversely, employers cite using independent contractors both for the flexibility of hiring workers with specific skills as the need arises (90 percent), as well as for cost-saving purposes such as taxes and benefits (86 percent). Still, when presented with the tradeoff, most employers (58 percent) say full-time hires are better for their company because they provide more value over the long-term despite having to pay more up-front on taxes and benefits. The survey is featured now in a story on Time.com. Read the story byTIME San Francisco Bureau Chief Katy Steinmetz. KEY FINDINGS: WHILE MOST EMPLOYERS PREFER FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES, MORE THAN HALF ARE CURRENTLY USING INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS AND EXPECT THEMSELVES AND OTHERS TO USE MORE IN THE FUTURE. A majority of all employers, 67 percent, say their company seeks to limit the number of contingent workers in favor of full-time employees, while 60 percent report using contingent workers. Of those who use contract labor, a majority, 57 percent, expect to use more in the future – and 70 percent of all employers predict that more companies and organizations will move toward a more on-demand labor model. WHILE FOUR OUT OF FIVE EMPLOYERS BELIEVE PROVIDING WORKERS WITH BENEFITS IS NECESSARY TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN TALENT A MAJORITY OF EMPLOYERS DO NOT FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING BENEFITS TO INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.Seventy-nine percent of employers believe offering benefits to employees is a critical component of attracting talent, which tracks with the earlier On-Demand Economy Survey (an online survey of 3,000 adult Americans by Burson-Marsteller, The Aspen Institute and TIME fielded by PSB from November 16-25, 2015), which showed more than half of On-Demand Economy workers (54 percent) believe they should receive more benefits as part of their job. At the same time, two thirds of employers feel they should NOT be responsible for providing benefits to independent contractors, but don’t agree on who should bear that responsibility. And 50 percent don’t think they should be responsible for providing training or education to independent contractors. Twenty-two percent of employers believe workers themselves should be responsible for providing benefits, 18 percent believe private companies that help workers manage/gain benefits should be responsible, while just 9 percent say it’s the government’s responsibility. For this survey, the definition of non-employee contingent workers is those who work for an organization on a non-permanent basis and typically work on a form 1099, as opposed to full time, W2- based employees of an organization. Contract or non-employee contingent workers are also known as freelancers, independent contractors, or temporary contract workers. They do not include workers, part time or full time, who are issued a Form W2. Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) conducted 800 online interviews with employers (i.e., employers or business owners who make hiring decisions for their organization), from June 5-16, 2016. “More than 80 percent of surveyed employers who use contingent workers do so because it allows them to quickly adjust to changing workforce needs or to hire people with specific in-demand skills,” said Markle CEO and President Zoe Baird. “This makes it all the more important to ensure all workers have the skills they need in today’s ever changing labor market, whether they are full-time employees or contingent workers. A more highly skilled workforce, one that can easily find pathways to train and retrain, is critical to enabling everyone to see themselves in the digital economy.” “The consensus that held the 20th Century social contract together is coming apart,” said Bruce Reed, co-chair of the Aspen Institute’s Future of Work Initiative.“Whilecompanies prefer full-time employees, more and more are using independent contractors to reduce costs, and two-thirds say providing those workers benefits is someone else's responsibility. We need a 21st Century social contract that works for everyone by making it easier for employers to share its responsibilities in investing in workers and easier for all Americans to take more benefits with them from job to job.” The Workforce of the Future Survey also reveals insights regarding the On-Demand Economy, defined for respondents as an industry that encourages consumers to share the use of goods and services rather than own them individually. Employers are both familiar with (71 percent) and favorable (68 percent) toward the On-Demand Economy, with 35 percent of employers saying they will use and provide more On-Demand Economy services in the next five years. “This new survey reveals we are at a critical point in the evolution of the modern workforce,” said Donald A. Baer, Worldwide Chair and CEO, Burson-Marsteller. “We started our research into this trend with the release of The On-Demand Economy Survey earlier this year, and the two surveys taken together demonstrate how the relationship between employers and workers is changing in this new environment.” Among the survey’s other findings: BOTH EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS SEE THE ON-DEMAND ECONOMY AS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT WAY OF DOING BUSINESS.Sixty-two percent of all employers believe that the On-Demand Economy is a completely different way of doing business and 52 percent say the On-Demand Economy is creating more opportunities for workers by bringing more wage-earning opportunities to more people. Similarly, according to the earlier On Demand Economy Survey, sixty-two percent of On-Demand Economy workers say it is a completely different way of doing business and 57 percent say it is creating more opportunities for workers by bringing more wage-earning opportunities to more people. ALMOST ALL EMPLOYERS ARE SATISFIED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF CONTINGENT WORKERS. Ninety-seven percent of employers who use independent contractors report they are satisfied with their performance, those employers who report they will use more independent contractors are 98 percent satisfied and even those who say they will use fewer independent contractors report a 95 percent satisfaction rate with these workers. EMPLOYERS HAVE AND WILL MOVE TOWARD MORE AUTOMATION, BUT SO FAR LARGE EMPLOYERS HAVE LED THE WAY. Sixty-two percent of all employers say in the last five years, “my organization has invested in automating more tasks and functions” as compared to 77 percent of companies with 1000+ employees. In the next five years, 68 percent of all employers “will invest in automating tasks and functions” compared to 81 percent of companies with 1000+ employees. EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR LOYAL, ENGAGED EMPLOYEES AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS DON’T MEET THAT EXPECTATION. Fifty-eight percent of employers who hire independent contractors agree that “non-employee contingent workers are not as loyal.” Additionally, 54 percent of employers agree that non-employee contingent workers are “not always available when I need them;” and 52 percent agree that non-employee contingent workers are “not as invested in their product.” THERE IS A LARGE DISCREPANCY BETWEEN BENEFITS OFFERED TO FULL-TIME WORKERS AND INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS. Eighty percent of employers who hire independent contractors offer Healthcare benefits to full-time, W2-based employees, while only 17 percent offer those same benefits to independent contractors. Also, 80 percent of all employers offer paid vacation to full-time W2 based employees, while just 13 percent offer these benefits to independent contractors. While the survey reports clear signs indicating traditional employment is still the most common model governing the workplace, there are definite changes to the traditional model as a result of emerging workplace trends, which will impact the workforce of the future. Methodology From June 5-16, 2016, Penn Schoen Berland (PSB) conducted 800 online interviews with employers (i.e. employers or business owners who make hiring decisions for their organization). The margin of error for the total sample is +/- 3.46% and larger for subgroups. This survey builds off the November, 2015 On-Demand Economy Survey by Burson-Marsteller, The Aspen Institute and TIME which surveyed 3,000 adult Americans to understand the size and composition of the On-Demand Economy in the United States and to provide insights into trends surrounding the On-Demand Economy and its participants (both workers and users). About The Aspen Institute and the Future of Work Initiative The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Future of Work Initiative is a nonpartisan effort to identify concrete ways to upgrade the social contract and propose a more inclusive and dynamic model of capitalism in the midst of sweeping changes in the 21st‐century workplace and workforce. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/future-of-work/ About the Markle Foundation The Markle Foundation works to realize the potential of information technology to address some of the nation’s most challenging issues in national security, health care, and the economy. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing digital economy. For more information, visit markle.org and follow us on Twitter @MarkleFdn. About Time Inc. Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is one of the world's leading media companies, with a monthly global print audience of over 120 million and worldwide digital properties that attract more than 150 million visitors each month, including over 60 websites. Our influential brands include People, Sports Illustrated, InStyle, Time, Real Simple and Southern Living, as well as more than 50 diverse titles in the United Kingdom. About Penn Schoen Berland Penn Schoen Berland (PSB), a member of Young & Rubicam Group and the WPP Group, is a global research-based consultancy specializing in messaging and communications strategy for blue-chip corporate, political and entertainment clients. PSB’s operations include over 200 consultants and a sophisticated in-house market research infrastructure with the capability to conduct work in more than 90 countries. The company operates offices around the world, including in Washington D.C., New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, London, Hamburg, Madrid and Dubai, which are supported by in-house field capabilities and fully equipped to provide the complete creative solutions PSB clients need. For more information, please visit www.psbresearch.com.
New York – The Markle Foundation announced today that Kathleen Murphy has joined its Board of Directors. Named among the 50 Most Powerful Women in American Business by Fortune, and the 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance by US Banker, Ms. Murphy is President of Personal Investing at Fidelity Investments. She is a leader of Fidelity’s digital strategy and has a strong interest in developing the future workforce. In addition to her expertise in the financial sector, Ms. Murphy is passionate about helping women learn financial management strategies to achieve financial security, explaining that 90 percent of women will have to manage their finances on their own at some point in their life. Ms. Murphy also is an advocate of mentoring programs to help young people achieve their full potential. “We are delighted to have Kathy help us advance transformative strategies and solutions that expand opportunities for all Americans in the digital economy,” said Zoë Baird, CEO and President of Markle. “Her commitment to inspiring today’s generation of workers, and her efforts to help them learn leadership skills, is so important to developing a successful workforce of tomorrow. This will be of tremendous value in our work to scale a skills-based labor market where job seekers are trained and prepared for the work of tomorrow and judged on the basis of their skills, rather than degrees alone.” Prior to joining Fidelity in 2009, Ms. Murphy was CEO of ING U.S. Wealth Management. She previously served as Group President of its Worksite and Institutional Financial Services division, and prior to that as the firm’s General Counsel and Chief Administrative Officer. She began her career with Aetna, spending 15 years in a variety of legal and government affairs positions, culminating in the role of General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of Aetna Financial Services. Ms. Murphy sits on the Board of Governors of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is a Board Member of the National Football Foundation, and participates in the Fortune/U.S. State Department Global Women’s Mentoring Partnership program. She previously served on the Board of Directors of America’s Promise Alliance. Ms. Murphy graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both Economics and Political Science from Fairfield University and holds a Juris Doctor degree with highest honors from the University of Connecticut School Of Law. She is a frequent LinkedIn Influencer contributor, where she shares her insights about leadership, mentoring, and financial security. Media Contact:[email protected] About Markle The Markle Foundation works to realize the potential of information technology to address some of the nation’s most challenging issues in national security, health care, and the economy. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing digital economy For more information, visit markle.org, follow the foundation on Twitter @MarkleFdn, and visit Rework America. press release, media release
Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton joined Markle Foundation CEO and President Zoë Baird, LinkedIn Vice President of Product Management and Co-Founder Allen Blue, Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo and Arizona State University officials today as Skillful went live in greater Phoenix and Maricopa County. Employers and educators including Arizona Public Service, Affinity Technology, and Maricopa Community College District joined with job seekers from across the Phoenix region for the roll-out of Skillful, a new skills-based platform that values people’s skills, not just degrees, and which supports lifelong learning in today’s rapidly changing economy. Skillful is a network of online tools and on-the-ground resources that connects job seekers to fast growing and well-paying jobs and to the educators who can help them get training, acquire new skills, and advance their careers. Skillful’s digital tools and in-person support will help job seekers identify the specific skills and training needed to obtain available jobs, even if they don’t have a college degree. It meets job seekers where they are – online or in their community – through career navigators who can help guide them through their job search. Skillful also works with employers to offer innovative tools and advisors to broaden their talent pool by helping them create skills-based job descriptions and to hire workers based on the core skills needed for the job. Skillful is geared toward middle-skill job seekers: individuals with at least a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree. Over 30 percent of the job openings in the Phoenix area are geared toward middle-skilled workers. These are good jobs that pay well, with many of them offering a median salary above $60,000 a year. On Skillful, job seekers will be able to explore salaries and job openings by sector, and find trainings directly linked to specific job paths. “Skillful is a new opportunity for people who don’t have a college diploma to show the skills they have and to get connected to great jobs,” said Zoë Baird, CEO and President of the Markle Foundation. “71 percent of Phoenix area residents don’t have a college degree, but they have great skills. Jobs are changing so dramatically because of technology and globalization. People need to be able to learn new skills over the course of a lifetime and to retool throughout their career. Skillful is going to provide new paths for people to show that they have the skills to get jobs that have income growth potential and the opportunity to move in new directions.” Skillful unites the combined efforts of national partners like LinkedIn, edX and Arizona State University, and local partners including the city of Phoenix, Arizona Manufacturing Partnership, Arizona Technology Council, Arizona Commerce Authority, and anchor navigators Maricopa Community College District, Goodwill of Central Arizona and [email protected] to expand paths for job seekers to advance their careers. “As Phoenix continues to look for ways to stay competitive, Skillful will help those in our workforce gain the skills they need to get ahead,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “We are honored to be one of the first cities in the nation to go live with Skillful, which shows our commitment to skills-based training and hiring.” “Skillful chose Phoenix and Maricopa County because of the opportunities our community has to offer,” said Maricopa County Supervisor Steve Gallardo. “We have thriving businesses and a workforce that is eager to take advantage of openings in growing industries. Skillful will be able to connect individuals with good paying positions that will benefit our economy.” The city of Phoenix and the state of Colorado are the first locations to go live with Skillful. The national partners chose these locations for their track record and commitment to job and opportunity creation, education and innovation, as well as their commitment to building partnerships aimed at improving the lives of their citizens. “Forty-four percent of Colorado and Phoenix employers say it’s hard to find people with the right technical skills,” said LinkedIn VP of Product Management and Co-Founder Allen Blue. “And fifty-four percent of U.S. workers who have a high school diploma and some or no college education say they don’t know what jobs are available, and if they have the skills needed for those jobs. We’re excited to help overcome this disconnect by partnering with Skillful and providing employers and educators with Economic Graph insights that spur collaboration on curriculum, and to empower job seekers to find training programs that will teach them the skills they need to get the jobs they want.” LinkedIn is also working with Skillful to help develop more skills-based job descriptions. Additionally, ASU has been a thought leader in creating the Skillful partnership. "Arizona State University is committed to building lifelong learning pathways with a variety of on-ramps and off-ramps into post-secondary education," said ASU President Michael Crow. "Our education technology experts at EdPlus helped design and build the Skillful platform because it will offer Phoenix and Maricopa County residents access to the learning opportunities they need to develop a career path." Skillful will provide employers with the data and templates they need to craft job descriptions based on skills versus using degrees as a default. These same skills can help inform on-the-job training or collaborations with educators. Skillful will help facilitate better connections between employers and local education and training institutions, allowing these institutions to tailor programs to ensure workers have the skills and knowledge to be successful. Businesses in Phoenix now will have with direct access to the skilled employees they need to fill their open positions. Employers across the region are already on board including Affinity Technology, Arizona Public Service, Axosoft, Ipro Tech, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Nichols Precision, Outlook Advisors, and Pinnacle Transplant Technologies. “We are engaged with Skillful to help build out a qualified pipeline of employees who we know will be a strong fit for our company,” said Russ Yelton, CEO of Pinnacle Transplant Technologies. “Skillful will allow us to better describe the specific skills required of potential employees. This means we’ll take less time to fill a job and have happier, more productive workers which benefits us all.” Skillful will concentrate opportunities on some of the largest industries in the greater Phoenix area and in Maricopa County starting in advanced manufacturing and information technology. “IT is a continually-evolving sector. Skillful will help our business find better talent by focusing our recruitment efforts on skills needed to accomplish the job,” said Dave Sloan, President of Affinity Technology. “Additionally, by working with local education partners, we can help ensure the trainings they provide are relevant to what to companies like mine need to continue to grow.” "We applaud the Markle Foundation in bringing Skillful to Phoenix. Skillful provides an opportunity for Innovate+Educate to continue our work to advance skills based hiring,” said Jamai Blivin, CEO of Innovate+Educate. “The Markle Foundation has been incredibly thoughtful and diligent in architecting and designing Skillful, and we look forward to working with the many leaders in Phoenix to expand access and new opportunities to education, skills training and employment via Skillful." For educators, Skillful will provide crucial data about the employment picture in the regions they are serving and help them develop curricula to better prepare workers for the ever-changing labor landscape. “Skillful offers us a way to reach more potential students and have greater access to insights about local employers which can help us ensure that our educational programs continue to meet industry needs,” said Dr. Randall Kimmens, Ed.D, Associate Vice Chancellor, Workforce Development, Maricopa Community Colleges. “We want our students to get the best jobs possible and Skillful will provide us with crucial data about what types of jobs our alumni are getting and about the employment picture in our region, allowing us to adapt our programs to give our students a leg up.” Skillful is using advanced statistical modeling to reach middle-skill job seekers in their communities through experienced advisors and career coaches based in local non-profits. Skillful users will be able to draw on these set of coaches – called navigators – through organizations like Goodwill of Central Arizona and [email protected] These expert navigators also will be able to use the tools and resources from Skillful to better serve their population. Skillful tools are informed by data and insights from some of the best research firms in the nation – LinkedIn, Civis Analytics, and North Star Opinion Research, and strategy support was provided by McKinsey & Company. Employers, job seekers, educational institutions and community-based organizations interested in trying Skillful are invited to visit www.skillful.com for more information. Skillful also can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/JoinSkillful and on Twitter @JoinSkillful. Media Contact:[email protected] About Markle and Rework America Markle leverages the potential of information technology to drive solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing problems in the areas of health, the economy, and national security. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org, follow the foundation on Twitter @MarkleFdn, and visit Rework America. press release, media release Skillful
Denver, CO – Governor John Hickenlooper joined Markle Foundation CEO and President Zoë Baird and LinkedIn Co‐Founder Allen Blue today as Skillful went live in the state of Colorado. Job seekers, employers, and educators from around the state also were on hand for the roll‐out of Skillful, a new skills‐based platform that values people’s skills, not just degrees, and which supports lifelong learning in today’s rapidly changing economy. Skillful is a network of online tools and on‐the-ground resources that connects job seekers to fast growing and well‐paying jobs and to the educators who can help them get training, acquire new skills, and advance their careers. Skillful’s tools and in‐person support will help job seekers identify the specific skills and training needed to obtain available jobs, even if they don’t have a college degree. It meets job seekers where they are – online or in their community – through career navigators who can help guide them through their job search. Skillful also works with employers to offer innovative tools and advisors to broaden their talent pool by helping them create skills‐based job descriptions and to hire workers based on the core skills needed for the job. Skillful tools are informed by data and insights from some of the best research firms in the nation ‐ LinkedIn, Civis Analytics, and North Star Opinion Research, and strategy support was provided by McKinsey & Company. Skillful is geared toward middle‐skill job seekers: individuals with a high school diploma, but not a four‐year degree. Research conducted by the state revealed that in Colorado, 40% of the state’s “top jobs” – those with high annual openings, above average growth rates – do not require a four‐year degree. These are good jobs that pay well, with many of them offering a median salary above $50,000 a year. By working with employers to clearly define the skills needed for these jobs, and by making it easier for job seekers to learn or demonstrate these skills, Skillful will create more career paths for those without a college degree. At the same time, it is providing businesses across the state with direct access to the skilled employees they need to fill their open positions. “Skillful is a new opportunity for people who don’t have a college diploma to show the skills they have and to get connected to great jobs,” said Zoë Baird, CEO and President of the Markle Foundation. “Sixty‐two percent of Coloradans don’t have a college degree, but they have great skills. Jobs are changing so dramatically because of technology and globalization. People need to be able to learn new skills over the course of a lifetime and to retool throughout their career. Skillful is going to provide new paths for people to show that they have the skills to get jobs that have income growth potential and the opportunity to move in new directions.” Through the combined efforts of national partners like LinkedIn, edX and Arizona State University, and local partners like the state of Colorado, the Colorado Workforce Development Council and workforce centers, the Colorado Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, the Colorado Technology Association and Goodwill Industries of Denver, Skillful will expand Colorado’s ongoing effort to develop cutting‐edge skills programs in the state. “Colorado has long been committed to ensuring our workers have access to the skills they need to get ahead and Skillful provides a powerful new tool for job seekers to do that,” said Governor John Hickenlooper. “We are honored to be the first state to gain access to Skillful, which builds on our efforts to promote skills‐based training and hiring in Colorado. It will help keep our state competitive both nationally and globally.” Colorado is the first state to have access to Skillful. Skillful also will be going live in early April in Phoenix, the first city to use the platform. The national partners chose these locations for their track record and commitment to job and opportunity creation, education and innovation, as well as their commitment to building partnerships aimed at improving the lives of their citizens. “Forty-four percent of Colorado and Phoenix employers say it’s hard to find people with the right technical skills,” said LinkedIn VP of Product Management and Co‐Founder Allen Blue. “And fifty‐four percent of U.S. workers who have a high school diploma and some or no college education say they don’t know what jobs are available, and if they have the skills needed for those jobs. We’re excited to help overcome this disconnect by partnering with Skillful and providing employers and educators with Economic Graph insights that spur collaboration on curriculum, and to empower job seekers to find training programs that will teach them the skills they need to get the jobs they want.” LinkedIn is also working with Skillful to help develop more skills‐based job descriptions. For job seekers, Skillful is like GPS for their career. It shows them companies that are hiring, what kinds of jobs are available, the skills required and where to find the training to get those jobs. Skillful is using advanced statistical modeling to power a grassroots campaign to reach middle‐skill job seekers in their communities through Skillful navigators based in local non‐profits who are experienced advisors and career coaches. Skillful will provide employers with the data and templates they need to craft job descriptions based on skills versus using degrees as a default. These same skills can help inform on‐the‐job training or collaborations with educators. Skillful will help facilitate better connections between employers and local education and training institutions, allowing these institutions to tailor programs to ensure workers have the skills and knowledge to be successful. Both of these collaborations will provide businesses with access to a broader talent pool. “We are engaged with Skillful to help build out a qualified pipeline of employees who we know will be a strong fit for our company,” said Barbara Brannen, Vice President of Human Resources at Pinnacol Assurance. “Skillful will allow us to better describe the specific skills required of potential employees. This means less time trying to fill a job and happier, more productive workers which benefits us all.” Skillful will concentrate opportunities on some of the fastest growing industries in Colorado – advanced manufacturing and information technology. “Advanced manufacturing is a continually‐evolving sector. Skillful will help our business find better talent by focusing our recruitment efforts on skills and abilities,” said Noel Ginsburg, CEO of Intertech Plastics and Intertech Medical. “Additionally, by working with local education partners, we can help ensure the trainings they provide are relevant to what to companies like mine need to continue to grow.” For educators, Skillful will provide crucial data about the employment picture in the regions they are serving and help them develop curricula to better prepare workers for the ever‐changing labor landscape. “Skillful offers us a way to reach more potential students and have greater access to insights about local employers which can help us ensure that our educational programs continue to meet industry needs,” said Dr. Nancy McCallin, President of the Colorado Community College System. “We want our students to get the best jobs possible and Skillful will provide us with crucial data about what types of jobs our alumni are getting and about the employment picture in our region, allowing us to adapt our programs to give our students a leg up.” Skillful users will be able to draw on a set of trained coaches – called navigators – through Goodwill Industries of Denver and Larimer County Workforce Center. These expert navigators also will be able to use the tools and resources from Skillful to better serve their population. Employers, job seekers, educational institutions and community‐based organizations interested in trying Skillful are invited to visit www.skillful.com for more information. Skillful also can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/JoinSkillful and on Twitter @JoinSkillful. Media Contact:[email protected] About Markle and Rework America Markle leverages the potential of information technology to drive solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing problems in the areas of health, the economy, and national security. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org, follow the foundation on Twitter @MarkleFdn, and visit Rework America. press release, media release Skillful
PHOENIX, AZ – Markle Foundation CEO and President Zoë Baird today joined with Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, LinkedIn Co-Founder Allen Blue, Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow, representatives of the Maricopa Community College System, edX, and Phoenix employers to announce Rework America Connected, a partnership that will use online technology to improve the way job seekers find jobs and learn new skills, and improve the way employers find workers. The online platform will provide an opportunity for many more Americans to qualify for good-paying careers, whether or not they have a college degree. Through this portal, employers will be able to more effectively fill available positions with skilled employees and grow their businesses. More than half of all American employers say a lack of skilled workers is the reason so many jobs remain unfilled. Rework America Connected is building the platform in partnership with LinkedIn, Arizona State University, and edX. The partners will work with the City of Phoenix and Phoenix employers and educators to connect, enhance, and scale efforts already underway, and tailor the program to Phoenix’s needs. The goal is to connect individuals—from the skilled, mid-career worker whose job has been reshaped by technology to the retail worker looking for a leg up into a middle-skill career—to professional and educational opportunities and develop a more qualified workforce for Phoenix employers. "As the digital economy continues to rapidly change our work lives, we have an opportunity here in Phoenix to help thousands land middle-skill jobs that offer them a way toward meaningful career paths," said Markle CEO and President Zoë Baird, who leads Rework America. "There are so many people who have the capacity to move into better jobs, and so many businesses who need skilled workers; now we need to connect both and put opportunity within reach. Imagine the possibilities if businesses use concrete skill sets as their benchmarks for employment, and education and training providers offer credentials that identify a job seeker’s capabilities. We could open doors for so many who are ready to tackle a wide range of work and who want the opportunity to thrive in today’s economy." "Rework America Connected has the potential to lower barriers to high-quality training and education options for Arizona’s job seekers, enabling them to embark on a meaningful career in our networked economy," said Arizona State University President Michael M. Crow. "We are proud to apply ASU’s expertise in digital academic advising and online learning to this important initiative." With guidance from employers, the cutting edge online platform will be able to customize tools and data to industry-specific employment needs. Rework America will draw on innovative classroom and online educational content from providers like community colleges to ensure job seekers have access to the most up-to-date trainings. The program will also engage a sophisticated recruitment and targeting effort to engage middle-skill workers who are often disconnected from such career paths. "Phoenix is known for using technological innovation to improve workers’ economic security, and Rework America Connected will help the city’s workers pursue better career paths and gain the skills they need to succeed in today’s economy," said Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton. "And by ending Phoenix’s skills mismatch, the platform will help local employers find enough skilled workers to grow their businesses at the speed they like." "LinkedIn’s vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce," said LinkedIn VP Product Management and Co-Founder Allen Blue. "With Rework America Connected, we are taking another step towards achieving that vision. Through greater transparency between employers, educators, and job seekers, we’re aiming to create greater economic opportunity for middle-skilled workers." Markle is drawing on the best resources from the public and private sectors in greater Phoenix to create this network. Maricopa County Community Colleges, a system renowned for its workforce development initiatives and industry-specific skill programs, will serve as a premier education content provider. ASU, in conjunction with LinkedIn and edX, will provide technological expertise to Rework America Connected, helping build a 21st century interest inventory and skills assessment tool that will help job seekers determine the best pathway to follow. Job seekers also can access ASU pathways through credentials offered by Maricopa County Community Colleges, regardless of whether they’re pursuing a college diploma. "The Greater Phoenix metropolitan area can have the most prepared workers in the country if we leverage the power of the Internet to help them train for the work of the future," said Estrella Mountain Community College President Ernest Lara, who represents the partnership of the Maricopa Community College System. "The Rework America Connected platform will help jumpstart this process by connecting workers to the jobs that are already available across Arizona." The City of Phoenix and local employers will assist in the execution of the effort, supplying important data and information to increase the online platform’s efficiency. Additional local employers supporting Rework American Connected include Arizona Public Service, Go Daddy, Arizona Manufacturing Partnership, Arizona Technology Council and Walmart Foundation. "We are thrilled to help the workforce of today and tomorrow identify and secure careers," said Ty Freeland, Manager of Talent Acquisition for Arizona Public Service. "Rework America Connected will help us connect with our future employees online and ensure they have the skills to make more of an impact on day one." "The Walmart Foundation is committed to increasing economic mobility for retail workers through our Retail Opportunity Initiative and that is why we’ve allied with the Markle Foundation and Rework America Connected," said Julie Gehrki, Senior Director of the Walmart Foundation. "The Walmart Foundation is excited to partner in Phoenix with other employers to leverage technology in order to create pathways in retail and adjacent sectors." Phoenix will be the first city to participate in Rework America Connected and Colorado will be the first state in the nation. Rework America Connected chose these locations for their track record and commitment to job creation, education, innovation, and partnerships aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. Employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations interested in participating in the program are welcome to visit www.reworkamericaconnected.org to join the coalition or sign up for more information. Rework America Connected can also be found on Facebook at Rework America and on Twitter @ReworkAmerica. Rework America Connected is a key part of the Markle Foundation’s Rework America initiative, which is driving real solutions to the disruptive changes brought on by technology and globalization. Rework America’s 56 members are leaders from across a diverse spectrum who are focused on innovations to create opportunities for Americans in today’s networked economy. Most recently, Markle’s members released a collectively authored book, America's Moment: Creating Opportunity in the Connected Age, which offers an agenda for action to create new paths for good and meaningful work and outlines recommendations to navigate the changing economic landscape of the connected age. Rework America Connected is now known as Skillful. Media Contact:[email protected] About Markle and Rework America Markle leverages the potential of information technology to drive solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing problems in the areas of health, the economy, and national security. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org, follow the foundation on Twitter @MarkleFdn, and visit Rework America. press release, media release
DENVER, CO – Markle Foundation CEO and President Zoë Baird today joined with Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper, Lt. Governor Joe Garcia, LinkedIn Co-Founder Allen Blue, edX President and COO Wendy Cebula, Intertech Plastics CEO Noel Ginsburg and Senior Vice President and COO of Kaiser Permanente Colorado Nancy Wollen to announce Rework America Connected, a partnership that will build on major initiatives already underway in Colorado and use new technologies and programs to better connect and support job seekers, employers, and educational providers. This announcement comes in conjunction with Governor Hickenlooper's efforts to create the Business Experiential-Learning Commission to ensure middle-skill workers have the training to meet the needs of Colorado employers. Rework America Connected will provide opportunity for many more Americans to qualify for good paying careers, whether or not they have a college degree. It will benefit employers by allowing them to more effectively fill available positions with skilled employees. More than half of all American employers say a lack of skilled workers is the reason so many jobs remain unfilled. Rework America Connected, being built in partnership with LinkedIn, Arizona State University, and edX, will work with the State of Colorado and Colorado employers and educators to connect, enhance, and scale efforts underway through technology, as well as offer new tools and resources. The program aims to help connect individuals—from the skilled, mid-career worker whose job has been reshaped by technology to the retail worker looking for a leg up into a middle-skill career—to career and education opportunities and develop a more qualified workforce for Colorado employers. "As the digital economy continues to rapidly change our work lives, we have an opportunity here in Colorado to help thousands land middle-skill jobs that offer them a way toward meaningful career paths," said Markle CEO and President Zoë Baird, who leads Rework America. "There are so many people who have the capacity to move into better jobs, and so many businesses who need skilled workers; now we need to connect both and put opportunity within reach. Imagine the possibilities if businesses use concrete skill sets as their benchmarks for employment, and education and training providers offered credentials that identify a job seeker's capabilities. We could open doors for so many who are ready to tackle a wide range of work and who want the opportunity to thrive in today's economy." "Colorado has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, but we know there is still work to do, especially for middle-skill jobs," said Gov. John Hickenlooper. "Innovative approaches like Rework America Connected will help end the skills mismatch and create a transparent job market that offers Coloradans a chance at a career path with real advancement potential, aligning with the goals of the new Business Experiential-Learning Commission." Rework America Connected will provide cutting edge technology tools and resources to job seekers, employers, and educators—from data and dashboards on industry-specific talent needs to flexible, innovative educational and training content from online providers like community colleges and boot camps. It will also deploy a sophisticated recruitment effort to engage and connect middle-skill workers of all types, a population that is often underserved and disconnected from job opportunities and education tools. "LinkedIn's vision is to create economic opportunity for every member of the global workforce," said LinkedIn VP Product Management and Co-Founder Allen Blue. "With Rework America Connected, we are taking another step towards achieving that vision. Through greater transparency between employers, educators, and job seekers, we're aiming to create greater economic opportunity for middle-skilled workers." "Working with Rework America Connected, we will empower organizations to create high-quality online learning experiences and credentials valued by employers to help job seekers gain the knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers," said edX President and COO Wendy Cebula. Employers welcomed Rework America Connected as an important tool to help expand their business. "Across the state, advanced manufacturing companies deal with the challenge of finding skilled workers to fit our needs, which is why Rework America Connected will create a bridge to help our industry grow," said Noel Ginsburg, Intertech Plastics CEO. "We have more need for skilled workers than ever before—and we are excited to use Rework America Connected to find new employees and help Colorado's economy continue to excel." Colorado will be the first state in the nation to participate in Rework America Connected and Phoenix will the first city. Rework America Connected chose these locations for their track record and commitment to job creation, education, and innovation, as well as their commitment to building partnerships aimed at improving the lives of its citizens. Employers, job seekers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations interested in participating in the program are welcome to visit www.reworkamericaconnected.org to join the coalition or sign up for more information. Rework America Connected can also be found on Facebook at Rework America and on Twitter @ReworkAmerica. Rework America Connected is a key part of the Markle Foundation's Rework America initiative, which is driving real solutions to the disruptive changes brought on by technology and globalization. Rework America's 56 members are leaders from across a diverse spectrum who work to drive innovations to create opportunities for Americans in today's networked economy. Most recently, Markle's members collectively authored the book, America's Moment: Creating Opportunity in the Connected Age, which calls on leaders from all sectors to create new paths for good and meaningful work, offers an agenda for action, and outlines recommendations to navigate the changing economic landscape of the connected age. Rework America Connected is now known as Skillful. Media Contact:[email protected] About Markle and Rework America Markle leverages the potential of information technology to drive solutions to some of the nation’s most pressing problems in the areas of health, the economy, and national security. Markle’s current initiative, Rework America, is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org, follow the foundation on Twitter @MarkleFdn, and visit Rework America. press release, media release
New book redefines ways Americans can thrive in the digital economy "In a time of deep polarization, America’s Moment provides an important service by developing a tangible and workable way forward for America’s most pressing policy problems."—Arthur C. Brooks, president of the American Enterprise Institute "For anyone looking for insights and inspiration on navigating the 21st century economy, this is essential reading."—Reid Hoffman, co-founder and chairman of LinkedIn "America’s Moment redefines the biggest economic transformation this country has seen in a century."—Arianna Huffington, cofounder and editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post "This wise book is a roadmap for restoring the American Dream."—Walter Isaacson, president and CEO of Aspen Institute, The Aspen Journal of Ideas NEW YORK, NY –In the midst of the biggest economic transformation in 100 years—one that has left millions of Americans uncertain of their future—technology and globalization are not a threat, but an opportunity to reshape the future, write a diverse group of leaders across America in the collectively authored book America’s Moment: Creating Opportunity in the Connected Age. Released this week, America’s Moment is a call to action at a critical moment in history as a wave of digital, technological, and marketplace transformations have fundamentally altered the very nature of work. Through a compelling lens that looks at examples of innovative entrepreneurs, small businesses, and Americans across the country, America’s Moment demonstrates how our lives have been impacted by the country’s economic transformation, and how we can rework America for the 21st century economy. The book calls on leaders from all sectors to use technology to create new paths for good and meaningful work, offers an agenda for action, and outlines recommendations to navigate the changing economic landscape of the connected age. It is part of a major commitment from the Markle Foundation’s Rework America initiative, whose 56 leaders are driving actions to expand opportunities for employment and learning. The Markle Foundation pledged $50 million over three years to advance Rework America, offering a vision, as well as partnerships to connect Americans to opportunity. "America’s Moment is a call to participate in the most vital undertaking for America in the 21st Century," said Zoë Baird, CEO and president of Markle who leads Rework America and who wrote the book’s preface. "It is unacceptable in our nation for economic well-being to be out of reach for so many hard working Americans. Everyone must once again feel their efforts can lead to endless possibilities. The forces of globalization and technological change can also be the tools we use to make sure all Americans are included in this transformation. We need leaders to share and build on this agenda to secure meaningful work for all Americans." America’s Moment is not just another book describing the problem. It is a call to action at a critical juncture in our nation’s life to create more good work, prepare Americans for 21st century careers and connect job seekers with opportunities. The book offers solutions on a broad front and proposes dozens of recommendations for action to accomplish these goals. Among them: • Preparing Americans for the lives they want through new affordable, flexible, and personalized higher education options beyond high school to supplement the college path. There need to be many ways to learn and train for the work of the future over the course of a lifetime; • Better matching Americans to opportunities through new credential systems that recognize an individual’s abilities, and by providing transparent and accessible information on skills required by employers; • Creating more jobs in America by linking American small businesses and entrepreneurs to the world of buyers for goods and services; • Creating growth potential for job-creating small businesses by expanding access to capital and credit that is currently parked on the sidelines; and • Enabling many more career paths to well-compensated work by using technology to deliver information to workers when they need it. "The daunting challenges of the new economy demand new ideas, new types of leadership and new partnerships—both public and private," said co-author and California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. "Business, education, and government leaders can work collaboratively to grow our economy, invest in education, and create good jobs. We have to step up and take responsibility if we want to prepare the workforce of tomorrow. " "America's Moment shows us the steps that America must take to turn today's challenges into opportunities," said co-author Geoffrey Canada, president of the non-profit Harlem Children's Zone. "The digital technology revolution has given us incredible new tools for learning and ways to turn the corner on the financial anxiety and job insecurity that are haunting so many Americans." "We now have the ability to expand the number of pathways to learning and to rethink how every individual can be ensured of a pathway to opportunity and employment," explained ASU President and co-author Michael Crow. "With the technological tools available to us today, we can advance flexible and personalized learning systems and generate new market-ready credentials based on an individual’s demonstrated knowledge." "America's Moment serves as an important reminder that we are stronger as a nation when everyone gets an equal chance to achieve success," said co-author Howard Schultz, chief executive officer and chairman, Starbucks. "With millions of Americans completely disconnected from the economy, we need the leadership, creativity and courage of the private sector, working with communities and everyday citizens, to create meaningful lifelong opportunities for all. Technology and globalization are not our biggest challenge - they are our greatest opportunity." "The world economy is set to more than triple in size in the next 15 years, said Robert K. Steel, co-author of America's Moment and CEO, Perella Weinberg Partners. "Looking at the Internet alone, there were a billion users in 2006, now there are three billion and growing. American small businesses can use openings created by the Internet for much more digitized commerce. They can produce goods and services that are valued around the world, and connect directly to millions of potential new international customers." "Technology and platforms have created the opportunity for small and medium size businesses to connect with and sell to customers anywhere in the world, something which was completely unheard of 20 or 30 years ago," said co-author James Manyika, Director, McKinsey Global Institute. "They will be the engine that powers America’s future growth." "The exponentially expanding capabilities of information technology have precipitated the greatest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution," said Craig Mundie, president of Mundie & Associates, former Chief Research and Strategy Officer for Microsoft and co-author of the book. "We need to rethink how we optimally invest going forward to innovate in education, training and credentialing. And leaders need to shine a light on the ideas and policies that will secure our economic future, and – most importantly – recognize the very real dangers to our economy and national security that will come from continued inaction." "We must ensure that all Americans, especially Americans in underserved communities, have full access to the tools of the digital revolution," said co-author Antonia Hernandez, President and CEO, California Community Foundation. "Leaders across sectors must prioritize investing in these communities by expanding programs that make the Internet widely available, that provide caring mentors, and that help at-risk young people develop their untapped potential, and learn valued skills." "America has come through profound economic transformations before and we can successfully do it again," said co-author and Markle Visiting Director Philip Zelikow. "We reworked American institutions when we transitioned from an agrarian society to the industrial age. This is what is needed today." A number of programs will be forthcoming from Rework America and its partners to help create scalable actions. A program expected to be unveiled later this month will provide cutting edge technology tools and resources to benefit middle skill job seekers, employers and educational providers in partnership with local governments. And in the coming months, Rework America will focus on driving actions across the country and injecting the unique opportunities of the digital economy into the 2016 presidential election conversation. "How can there be so many paths to opportunity with so few people travelling them?" asked Ms. Baird. "Imagine the America we want to live in: with good jobs and ways to prepare for them, opportunities to build businesses, the excitement and not fear of innovation, and a chance to create a better life for oneself. This is the America we want our children to inherit. Rework America will promote ideas and actions to enable all Americans to dream again." For more visit http://www.markle.org and http://www.ReworkAmerica.org Media Contact: Lisa MacSpadden or Chris Valens [email protected] About Markle Markle works to realize the potential of information technology to address previously intractable public problems for the economic security, health, and national security of all Americans. Markle’s current initiative is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org and follow us on Twitter @MarkleFdn. Rework America Rework America, an initiative of the Markle Foundation, is a partnership focused on driving solutions to the changes brought by today’s networked world. Rework America’s 60 members are leaders from across the political spectrum, working in the business, education, government and nonprofit sectors to identify and develop new ways for Americans to grow their businesses, create new jobs, and develop the skills they need to participate in this new economy. For more information, visit ReworkAmerica.org and follow us on Twitter @ReworkAmerica. "press release", media release
NEW YORK, NY – Markle Foundation CEO and President Zoë Baird today announced the appointment of Robert Khedouri as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer and Wan-Lae Cheng as Senior Director. Both will build on an already diverse and talented team committed to furthering Markle’s mission to improve the economic security, health, and national security of all Americans. Currently, Markle is engaged in a nationwide effort to advance transformative strategies that create paths for good and meaningful work for all Americans in the digital age. Rework America, the Markle Economic Future Initiative, is a group of more than 50 leaders from across America focused on driving innovations in business, education, and training to ensure all Americans have a meaningful place in the new economy. “Robert and Wan-Lae are important appointments for Markle as they bring extensive experience and add the necessary leadership and depth that will help us drive Rework America,” said Zoë Baird, CEO and president of the Markle Foundation. “Their strength in building teams and developing comprehensive strategies across sectors will be instrumental as our initiative moves forward.” “Markle recognizes that America is in the midst of the greatest economic transformation in over a hundred years,” said Robert Khedouri. “Through Rework America, Markle has a vision for making opportunity available for everyone. I very much look forward to working with Markle’s talented team and helping to lead this important national initiative.” “As someone who strongly believes in the promise of the American Dream, I am honored to join Markle,” said Wan-Lae Cheng. “Markle is an innovative, forward-thinking organization with the ability to impact the lives of millions of Americans. I look forward working closely with our partners to make the Initiative’s vision a reality.” About Robert Khedouri Most recently, Robert Khedouri was Co-Founder and Director at PeerIQ, a financial information services company in the peer-to-peer loan space. He was previously Co-Founder and Co-CEO of MusicGremlin, a venture-backed startup that pioneered the delivery of digital media content direct to wireless devices. Following the sale of MusicGremlin to SanDisk in 2008, Robert held senior executive positions at SanDisk for several years, most recently as GM of the Software & Solutions Division. Earlier in his career, Robert was a corporate attorney with Cravath, Swaine & Moore, where he represented banks and issuers in a variety of public and private debt and equity issuances, mergers & acquisitions and other corporate matters, and also a consultant at McKinsey & Company, where his clients included a variety of technology companies, financial institutions and media companies. Robert holds a B.S.E. with concentrations in finance and real estate from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania law school. About Wan-Lae Cheng Wan-Lae served as Associate Principal at McKinsey & Company since 2008 where her experience crossed the public, private, and social sectors. Wan-Lae focused on strategy, organizational transformations, and innovation with non-profit higher education systems, foundations, and private sector companies in the education space. She also led McKinsey’s research on student attitudes as it relates to college completion and worked on topics related to Common Core assessments and implementation. Prior to McKinsey, Wan-Lae worked for MDRC in Oakland, CA, a public policy firm specializing in large-scale randomized control trials, where she led site selection, pilot design, and data collection for federal studies on employment retention and advancement for the U.S. Department of Labor and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Wan-Lae holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Foreign Affairs, and an MBA from the Columbia Business School. For more visit http://www.markle.org and http://www.ReworkAmerica.org Media Contact: Lisa MacSpadden or William Herbig [email protected] About Markle Markle works to realize the potential of information technology to address previously intractable public problems for the economic security, health, and national security of all Americans. Markle’s current initiative is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org and follow us on Twitter @MarkleFdn. Rework America Rework America, an initiative of the Markle Foundation, is a partnership focused on driving solutions to the changes brought by today’s networked world. Rework America’s 60 members are leaders from across the political spectrum, working in the business, education, government and nonprofit sectors to identify and develop new ways for Americans to grow their businesses, create new jobs, and develop the skills they need to participate in this new economy. For more information, visit ReworkAmerica.org and follow us on Twitter @ReworkAmerica. press release, media release
NEW YORK, NY – During the closing plenary of the 2014 Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Annual Meeting, President Bill Clinton today announced REWORK AMERICA, the Markle Economic Future Initiative's CGI Commitment to Action. REWORK AMERICA is an extraordinary partnership focused on the changes brought about by today's networked world. The Markle Economic Future Initiative will help drive innovations that expand opportunities for employment and broaden ways for all Americans to learn and train for the work of the future. Co-chaired by Markle CEO and President Zoë Baird and Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz, the Markle Economic Future Initiative brings together a broad collaboration of entrepreneurs, technology leaders, CEOs, educators, community and religious leaders, and other partners to empower all Americans to succeed in today's digital economy. The members believe it will take strong leadership in these transformational times to advance actions that help all Americans gain access to the resources they need to share in the benefits of the new economy. Markle is committing $50 million dollars to REWORK AMERICA. The members of REWORK AMERICA share a vision of a hopeful future for our nation, one in which the changes brought about by a networked world work for us and where more Americans are optimistic about their chances for learning, training, and employment. In a collective point of view (reworkamerica.org), the members offer their thoughts for pairing ideas with powerful actions to accelerate innovations that return opportunities to all Americans. While uncertainty and pessimism about the future remain high, there is a strong foundation on which to rebuild. In fact, 70 percent of middle class Americans in a recent Markle commissioned national survey said they want the chance to advance their education and training to learn new skills in math, science, and technology. Eighty six percent agreed that learning throughout one's lifetime is critical to keeping up in today's world. And nearly 9 out of 10 middle class Americans expressed support for access to resources that can help American small businesses expand into new markets. "There is no challenge more important for the strength of our nation than the challenge of advancing economic opportunity for all Americans," said Markle CEO and President and Markle Economic Future Initiative co-chair Zoë Baird. "Americans are known for their creativity and entrepreneurship. By mastering innovations in learning and business growth, we can reach for a better future in which all Americans prosper in the networked world." Technology is making it easier than ever to tap into learning that is more flexible, affordable, and personalized. It also is creating new ways for Americans to work or to start and grow a business, aided by tech platforms that can bring the world's growing middle class as potential customers to our tablets. We need to enable Americans to connect with buyers around the world and to bring the operational power and insight of large businesses into the hands of small entrepreneurs and main street businesses. And 21st century learning options are needed to develop credentials that correlate with work that will carry Americans into the future and enable people to keep learning throughout their lives. "I have long believed the best investment a leader can make is in their own people and their futures," said Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo of Starbucks and co-chair of the Markle Economic Future Initiative. "Today, too many of our youth believe the American Dream is impossible to achieve. It's more important now than ever for business, community and government leaders to come together to create pathways to opportunity for young Americans to become the kind of leaders who will move our country forward. Together we can create a future where the doors to opportunity are shut on no one and access to the American Dream is open to everyone." Markle has long taken a leadership role with collaborations that use technology tools to address previously intractable public problems, including overcoming obstacles to economic growth. The recent Starbucks-Arizona State University partnership, inspired by the Markle Initiative, is one example of a groundbreaking prototype for creating opportunities that rethink learning, skill development, and readiness for the work of the future. The innovative plan will provide access to an online college education at ASU for thousands of Starbucks partners (employees) in the United States. Collaborations with other educational institutions and businesses are also currently being developed to help Americans navigate the new economy. "We are in a period of momentous change in America," said Purdue University President and Initiative member Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr., former governor of Indiana and former director of the Office of Management and Budget. "One of our most important assets has always been the knowledge and skills of our workforce and the nation's economic success will depend on our effectiveness at educating students in an increasingly technological world. But we can no longer rely on traditional strengths alone to prepare for the 21st century economy. We must reimagine the way we teach and use today's new tools to design educational platforms that foster the skills today's employers say they prize most." "Many students are leaving college laden with debt, often to discover that employment is yet another challenge," said ASU President and Initiative member Michael Crow. "But this doesn't have to be. We now have the ability to expand the pathways to learning and to rethink how every individual can be ensured of a pathway to opportunity and employment. With new learning technologies and tools, we can advance flexible and personalized learning and generate new market ready credentials based on demonstrated knowledge, rather than only the more traditional pathways of post-secondary education. These new opportunities allow learning to be pursued at all times and in any venue." "More than ever, education is the single most reliable way to break the cycle of generational poverty," said Geoffrey Canada, Initiative member and president of the non-profit Harlem Children’s Zone. "The digital technology revolution has given us incredible new tools for learning, but it also raises the educational bar for future generations. For that reason, it is incumbent on our country to increase access to all of our young people and Rework America is a terrific step in that direction." Initiative member and chairman and CEO of salesforce.com, Marc Benioff said, "We're in the middle of an incredible transformation, driven by new social, mobile and connected cloud technologies. By embracing these new technologies, we can prepare our youth for the jobs of tomorrow, and encourage entrepreneurs to build new companies to propel our economy forward." "In order to restore the American dream, in order to bring back hope and promise for so many people in this nation, we need strong visionary leadership," said Reverend Calvin Butts, III, pastor of The Abyssinian Baptist Church of New York City, president of the State University of New York College at Old Westbury and Initiative member. "Leadership has to be more than just strong and visionary in the sense of rhetoric, it has to be ready to take risks." "Americans have always been good at innovation and seizing a challenge and making it work for them," said Initiative member and Leavitt Partners Chairman Michael Leavitt, the former governor of Utah and a former cabinet official. "But we need to recognize this is a genuine challenge and that we need to take steps to help build new jobs and new skills for the future. And the sooner we do this, the better." For more information visit www.markle.org. About Markle Markle works to realize the potential of information technology to address previously intractable public problems for the economic security, health, and national security of all Americans. Markle’s current initiative is focused on accelerating innovations that use the forces of technology and globalization to return opportunities to Americans in today’s rapidly changing networked economy. For more information, visit markle.org and follow us on Twitter @MarkleFdn.
NEW YORK, NY - Markle President Zoe Baird today announced the appointment of former Deputy Secretary of Defense Dr. Ashton B. Carter as Senior Executive at the Markle Foundation. He will help develop the Markle Economic Future Initiative along with Baird and Initiative co-chair Howard Schultz, chairman, president and ceo of Starbucks. The Initiative is advancing transformative strategies that use technology and globalization to help all Americans flourish in the economy of a networked world. The Markle Economic Future Initiative consists of a broad coalition of entrepreneurs, academics, CEOs, diplomats, community activists, religious leaders, and others who have assembled to collaborate on groundbreaking ideas for empowering Americans in today’s economic landscape. Carter will be a member of Markle’s leadership team and will head up the Initiative’s efforts to develop creative and scalable solutions to grow businesses by focusing on key opportunity areas. These include helping Americans provide services into global markets, using open data to offer growth opportunities, using information technology to enable middle skilled Americans to do work that used to require years of training, and improving access to capital. "As the Defense Department’s former chief operating officer, Dr. Carter understands the forces impacting the American economy and our society. He is a hands-on leader who sees the big picture and envisions actionable solutions," said Markle President Zoe Baird. "The addition of Dr. Carter will strengthen our efforts to help Americans at all income levels transition to the economy of the future." Carter has a long association with Markle. He served as a member of the Markle Task Force on National Security in the Information Age since its inception in 2002, and in 1997 he and Baird prepared a Defense Science Board Summer Study on the role of defense against the terrorist threat. "The most important challenge facing the nation is finding innovative solutions to build the American Dream for the 21st Century to provide a path for all Americans to succeed in the networked economy," said Dr. Carter. "I look forward to continuing the practice of partnering with private and public sector experts that is essential to achieving Markle's goals. After five years driving change at the Pentagon, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to continue to serve the public good at Markle." Carter served in two of the top positions for the U.S. Department of Defense, most recently as Deputy Secretary of Defense from October 2011 to December 2013. As Deputy Secretary, he oversaw global operations with an annual budget of more than $600 billion and a 2.4 million workforce of civilian and military personnel. From April 2009 to October 2011, Carter was Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics with responsibility for procurement of all technology, systems, services, supplies, bases and infrastructure, energy and environment, and more than $50 billion annually in Research and Development. He was recognized for his service to national security on five separate occasions with the Department of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, DOD’s highest award. Previously he served as Senior Partner of Global Technology Partners, where he focused on advising major investment firms in technology and defense. He also served as an advisor to Goldman Sachs on global affairs and as Professor and Chair of the International Relations, Science, and Security faculty at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Carter has served on numerous boards, including the MITRE Corporation, Mitretek Systems, MIT’s Lincoln Laboratories, and the Draper Laboratory Corporation. He has also been a member of the Defense Policy Board, the Defense Science Board, and the Secretary of State’s International Security Advisory Board. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Aspen Strategy Group. Carter is the author of 11 books and more than 100 articles on physics, technology, national security, and management. Contact Lisa MacSpadden or William Herbig [email protected]
NEW YORK, NY - The Markle Foundation today announced that Philip Zelikow has joined the organization as Visiting Managing Director. Mr. Zelikow is a member of the Markle Economic Future Initiative, co-chaired by Markle President Zoë Baird and Starbucks chairman, president and ceo Howard Schultz. The Initiative is advancing transformative strategies that use technology and globalization to help all Americans flourish in the economy of a networked world. Mr. Zelikow, the White Burkett Miller Professor of History at the University of Virginia, is on leave from the University after completing a term as dean of the Graduate School. His collaboration with Markle began in 2002 when he was Executive Director of the first year of the Markle Task Force on National Security in the Information Age. That initiative, co-chaired by Zoë Baird and former Netscape CEO Jim Barksdale, led to highly regarded recommendations that formed the basis for intelligence reform and information sharing in the 9/11 Commission Report, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, the Protect America Act of 2007, and a wide range of actions at the federal, state and local level, as well as in the private sector. “We are delighted to have Philip’s brilliant contribution and his extraordinary knowledge of how Americans succeeded in past economic transitions as Markle continues to explore ways to unleash opportunities for Americans in today’s networked economy,” said Zoë Baird, president of Markle. "He is a forward thinking educator whose contributions are instrumental to tackling this pressing social need.” “America has been through major economic and social transitions before,” said Philip Zelikow. “But Americans used their talents to design and build the greatest engine of mass prosperity the world had ever seen. By accelerating innovations that return opportunity to Americans, we can do it again.” In 2003-2004, Zelikow directed the 9/11 Commission, producing a report that led to many important reforms that have changed how government and businesses use information to improve national security while protecting traditional civil liberties. The report was selected as a finalist for the National Book Award. In 2005-2007, as the Counselor of the Department of State, he served as a deputy to Secretary Rice with responsibilities including the Iraq war, Middle East policy, India, North Korea, intelligence, and counterterrorism issues. In addition to the University of Virginia, Zelikow has taught at Harvard University and for the United States Navy. He has served on several boards, including as a member of the President's Intelligence Advisory Board for President George W. Bush (2001-2003) and for President Barack Obama (2011-2013) and on the advisory board for global development of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He has authored several books, including Germany Unified and Europe Transformed: A Study in Statecraft (with Condoleezza Rice), The Kennedy Tapes: Inside the White House during the Cuban Missile Crisis (with Ernest May), and Essence of Decision (with Graham Allison).
