The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the U.S. economy and gutted the job market, exacerbating disparities in income and economic opportunity. The resulting recession has impacted our most vulnerable populations more deeply than any other in modern history. According to a McKinsey & Company analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Data, Black and Hispanic workers faced unemployment at double the rate of their white counterparts, as did households earning less than $30,000 compared to higher-income households.

Inclusive economic recovery is essential for the nation and regions. But what does a sustainable solution look like? My 35 years of experience in the nonprofit sector has shown me that one crucial answer lies in the middle-skills jobs market — those jobs that require more than a high-school diploma but less than a four-year degree.

Middle-skill jobs tend to be available, the education required to fill them affordable, and many workers are eager to gain needed skills through non-degree programs. The challenge, historically, has been making effective connections between workers, upskill training and ready-to-hire employers. But now, cross-sector collaboration is offering a promising new approach that merits the support of both the business and philanthropic sectors.

Read the full article about workforce development by Shelley Hoss at Forbes.