Consider Maria, a single mother working two jobs to support her family. Without a college degree, she's often overlooked for promotions despite her exceptional problem-solving skills and work ethic. Or take James, a warehouse worker with a knack for technology, who dreams of a career in IT but can't afford the time or money for traditional education.
These stories are emblematic of millions across the country — individuals with the drive and ability to contribute more significantly to society if only given the opportunity. They also highlight the importance of the long-standing adage from Finland’s education system, which says: "We can't afford to waste a brain." This powerful statement captures the essence of a pressing challenge and an extraordinary opportunity facing America today — the untapped potential of the nation's "Rising Talent."
At the recent inaugural Human Potential Summit held in Denver, Colorado, leaders from education and industry convened to tackle this critical question: How can we unlock the latent abilities of individuals who have been overlooked by traditional pathways? These are the frontline employees, the workers without formal degrees, the 15% of the U.S. working-age population brimming with skills, resilience, and untapped potential.
Omid Fotuhi, Director of Learning Innovation at WGU Labs, set the stage at a well-attended panel discussion with a compelling reminder: "The human brain houses between 80 and 100 billion cells, each capable of extraordinary growth and learning. It’s a tragedy to waste something as beautifully designed as this." His words underscored the mission of WGU Labs — to bridge the gap between education and career opportunities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the chance to achieve their full potential.
Unlocking Hidden Potential
Youngki Hong, Senior Research Scientist at WGU Labs, set the stage for the session with an insightful presentation by highlighting the vast reservoir of Rising Talent and the systemic barriers they face. Hong highlighted findings from a recent research report by WGU Labs titled "Moving Forward, Looking Back: Analyzing the Path of Rising Talent (NLSY 1997 Cohort)." The study, utilizing data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort, focusing on "Rising Talent" — adults with limited education stuck in low-wage jobs — reveals significant early-life challenges such as limited access to technology, poor health, and low high school performance, which contribute to persistent economic struggles. According to the report, 32% of the Rising Talent cohort remains in low-wage jobs for more than ten years. However, about half of this group eventually achieve better outcomes, often through higher education or career changes, suggesting access to quality education and basic technology can change the course of their lives. "These individuals are not lacking in ability or ambition," Hong emphasized. "They are constrained by circumstances — economic, educational, and societal — that access to quality education has the power to change."
Chelsea Barnett, Vice President of Product and Program at WGU Academy, focuses on leveraging the often-overlooked assets that individuals bring: skills, resilience, and life experiences. "These individuals bring invaluable life experiences and resilience to the table," she noted. "Our role is to help them recognize their strengths and help them see how those skills and strengths can be translated into academic and professional success." Through the "Habits of Mind" curriculum, WGU Academy integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) into its programs, teaching essential skills like time management, self-regulation, and effective communication. Barnett's insights underscore a critical approach: designing educational experiences that are accessible, relevant, and empowering for individuals who have been traditionally underserved.
Bridging the Gap Between Potential and Opportunity
One of the central themes of the summit was the disconnect between higher education and industry — a gap that often leaves Rising Talent stranded between their current circumstances and their aspirations. Jeff Bulanda, Vice President at JFF’s ASA Center for Career Navigation, highlighted this issue: "Many people are skeptical about what a credential can actually offer them. They need clear, transparent pathways that show the direct link between education and tangible career outcomes."
This sentiment was echoed by Amanda Willard, Global Workforce Development Strategist at Amazon. She shared how Amazon is actively identifying and nurturing Rising Talent within its ranks. "We recognize that our employees have diverse backgrounds and incredible untapped skills," she said. "By offering programs like 'Career Choice' we make education accessible without forcing them to choose between their job and their future.” Willard also added that “in turn, competence leads to confidence”, which critically helps individuals start to recognize and get empowered by their own potential.
Innovative Pathways and Collaborative Solutions
The panel delved into actionable strategies to create meaningful pathways for Rising Talent. For example, digital credentials and micro-credentials emerged as promising tools, offering flexible and modular learning options. However, as Barnett pointed out, "For these credentials to be effective, they must be aligned with industry needs and recognized by employers as valuable." Bulanda added, "Strong collaborations between industry and education are essential to co-develop programs that lead directly to job readiness and career advancement."
Addressing the significant barriers these individuals face — time poverty, financial constraints, and competing life circumstances — the panelists stressed the need for wraparound support services. "It's not just about providing education; it's about making it accessible and sustainable," Willard emphasized. "Employers need to create environments that accommodate the realities of their employees' lives."
Redefining Success and Measuring Impact
The conversation shifted toward defining success in these initiatives. While completion rates are important, they are not the sole indicator of impact. "We need to look at long-term outcomes like increased wages, job retention, and career mobility," Barnett asserted. "It's about the real-world impact on individuals' lives."
Bulanda advocated for outcome-based metrics, emphasizing the importance of tracking and analyzing data to continuously refine programs. "By understanding the long-term gains of educational investments, we can create programs that offer sustained upward mobility," he said.
A Call to Action for a Brighter Future
The summit concluded with a unifying vision: Unlocking the potential of Rising Talent is not just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for a thriving economy and society. By recognizing and investing in the overlooked skills of millions, businesses can cultivate a more engaged and loyal workforce, while individuals gain the opportunity to transform their lives.
Fotuhi left the audience with a powerful charge: "Imagine the collective impact if we unlock the potential of every individual. It's not just about filling jobs; it's about enriching lives and communities. We all have a role to play in making this a reality."
As we move forward, collaboration between educational institutions like WGU Academy, industry leaders like Amazon, and workforce advocates like JFF remains crucial. Together, they are not just opening doors — they are building bridges to a future where no brain goes to waste, and every individual has the opportunity to shine.
For more information on how you or your organization can support Rising Talent, visit WGU Labs.
