In the United States, millions struggle to access postsecondary education, skills, and opportunities needed to achieve prosperity. This issue is especially challenging for historically underserved communities—such as Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, and rural populations—who face compounded barriers like financial instability and limited access to resources and technology. Despite these barriers, opportunities exist to create pathways to better social and economic outcomes.

In Pathways to Prosperity: Opportunities to Bridge Postsecondary Education and the Workforce, the Milken Institute Strategic Philanthropy team highlights five actionable areas where philanthropists can make impactful investments. By promoting human-centered programs and resources, offering holistic wraparound supports, leveraging collaborative partnerships between key stakeholders, prioritizing access to in-demand skills, and embracing risk, philanthropists can help bridge the gaps that many Americans face in their journey from postsecondary education to the workforce.

Philanthropy has the potential to drive sustainable change in postsecondary education and workforce development. Download this report to learn how targeted investments can unlock new pathways to prosperity for all.