The Broken Marketplace™
The biggest workforce crisis no one is talking about
Many young Americans seek professional success but trudge along fractured pathways from high school into the job market because their parents, teachers, counselors, and employers possess misaligned expectations and provide outdated guidance.
That is the reality revealed in The Broken Marketplace™: America’s School-to-Work Crisis, a national research project commissioned by the Schultz Family Foundation and conducted by research consultancy HarrisX to understand why so many young adults feel stalled at the starting line and what it will take to help them move forward.
What We Heard
46%
of young people feel unprepared or unsure of their preparation for the jobs of the future
65%
of young adults believe the American Dream is either not real or unattainable
80%
of parents rely on their own experiences to provide advice that’s often outdated and unhelpful
Building a Better Marketplace
The Broken Marketplace™ provides key insights to not just patch the old model, but to design a better marketplace that is built for more informed choices, accessible resources, lifelong learning, flexible pathways, and opportunity accessible to all.
What if every journey began by gathering the team who will help you realize your dream?
Basta helps first-generation college students launch meaningful careers by connecting them with mentors, coaches, and peers. Through a structured program blending purpose-driven reflection with real-world job search strategies, participants build the clarity, confidence, and connections needed to succeed.
Basta matches each student with a team of mentors—including industry professionals and near peers—who offer insight, accountability, and encouragement. The result is more than just a job—it’s a pathway aligned with personal values and long-term goals.
What if social media became a trusted channel for discovering and launching careers?
SkillUp is a nonprofit helping workers without college degrees access career paths offering stability and growth. Through free career navigation tools, short-term training programs, and job matching, SkillUp empowers users to explore options aligned with their interests and regional demand.
To reach and engage young adults, SkillUp leverages social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram—sharing relatable, bite-sized content about career shifts, training opportunities, and personal success stories. This digital-first approach breaks down barriers to access, making career advancement feel more achievable.
How can we support the power of near-peers so they aid in successful navigation?
Braven empowers first-generation college students and students to transition from college to strong first jobs. Through a for-credit career accelerator course, students develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and networking while working closely with leadership coaches—young professionals who serve as near-peer mentors. Braven helps students build the confidence, experience, and connections they need to launch meaningful careers and unlock long-term economic mobility.
What if we taught every young person the flywheel of success: purpose, agency, exposure, and skills?
The Youth Mental Health Corps helps young adults shape their identity and direction while supporting peers through today’s mental health crisis. Active in 11 states, this state-led initiative recruits 18–24-year-olds to serve as near-peer navigators in schools, clinics, and community centers. While delivering wellness check-ins, outreach, and evidence-based education, members earn stipends, gain career training, and complete employer recognized certifications in areas like mental health navigation and peer support. The Corps is a launchpad for young people to discover their strengths, clarify their purpose, and grow into roles that meet the moment.
What if we connected the supply of career pathways, demand for talent, and insights needed to guide young people forward?
The American Opportunity Index ranks America’s largest employers based on how well they create upward mobility for workers—measuring factors like promotions, pay increases, and hiring practices. For young job seekers and those that guide them, the Index is a powerful tool to identify companies that invest in talent. By spotlighting employers that offer real growth and long-term career potential, the Index underscores the fact that “where you work matters.” It empowers young people to make informed choices and seek out workplaces where they can build skills, gain experience, and advance—regardless of where they start.
