Opportunity@Work is a non-profit organization founded in 2015 that aims to expand access to career opportunities for individuals who are skilled through alternative routes (STARs), rather than traditional four-year college degrees. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the organization focuses on bridging the opportunity gap in the U.S. labor market. Co-founded by Byron Auguste, a former top policy advisor at the White House, the organization seeks to impact over 70 million STARs in the United States, supporting them in acquiring better job opportunities and economic mobility.
This section on recent developments showcases the continuous expansion of Opportunity@Work's mission to transform the labor market by reducing reliance on degree-based hiring and fostering skills-first employment practices across the country.
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2015 |
| Headquarters | Washington, D.C., United States |
| Founders | Byron Auguste |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not applicable as it operates as a non-profit |
| Key Investors | Not applicable; receives donations and grants from various organizations and partners |
| Industry | Workforce Development, Non-profit |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 11-50 |
Opportunity@Work was established in 2015 with the vision of supporting the White House's TechHire initiative, which was dedicated to connecting overlooked communities with the rapidly growing tech industry. Led by co-founder Byron Auguste, the organization set out to address education and employment disparities by focusing on Skills-Through-Alternative-Routes (STARs). In 2017, it became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit, aiming to develop scalable solutions that address systemic barriers in the labor market. This formative period was marked by strategic partnerships and the piloting of its Talent Equity Fund, which provided income-sharing agreements to help low-income individuals gain necessary skills without financial burdens.
Opportunity@Work has made notable strides in fostering an inclusive labor market.
Opportunity@Work, with its revolutionary approach, remains a pivotal player in closing the employment gap for STARs. This involves:
Opportunity@Work has established itself as a leading force in transforming the U.S. labor market. By advocating for skill-based hiring, the organization challenges conventional degree-based barriers that often exclude capable STARs. Its collaboration with various sectors, from tech to education, underscores its commitment to a fair and inclusive economy. As it continues to forge strategic partnerships and expand its influence, Opportunity@Work is poised to redefine workforce engagement strategies on a broader scale, potentially reshaping the traditional employment narrative.