Insights
The future of opportunity isn't just about knowledge it's about network connections.
Our Insights page brings together the latest research, innovative thinking, and practical strategies on social capital, economic mobility, workforce development, leadership, and connection-building. Whether you're a business leader, educator, workforce professional, or career builder, you'll find ideas that challenge conventional thinking and provide practical ways to create more opportunity.
Light a Candle: A Call to Invest in America’s Disconnected Youth
Let’s be real: There are over 4.5 million disconnected youth in the United States between the ages of 16 and 24. These are young people
Success Starts with Connections—Not Just Credentials
The Burning Glass Institute’s recent report lays bare a growing crisis in our workforce system: while over 1.1 million credentials are now available in the
The Trust Crisis: Why Social Capital Literacy Is an Equity Imperative
When only a third of Americans believe that most people can be trusted, something deeper is at play than individual cynicism. The new Pew Research
Why Wouldn’t You? Making Social Capital Education Mandatory in Workforce and Youth Development
In a time when affirmative action, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are being scaled back or eliminated, the question isn’t why we should help
Are You Teaching Your Students About the Friendship Paradox and Why You Should
The Friendship Paradox Why understanding it can help young adults navigate peer pressure and protect their future. February 27, 2025 By Edward DeJesus Key Points
The Key to Thriving in Uncertain Times
Will you be next? Or someone you care about? Career uncertainty is everywhere. Fear grips individuals as they face the unknown, and technology is not
Is Your Program Set Up for Social Capital Success? Take This 5-Question Test to Find Out
Many workforce and education programs are eager to integrate social capital success education for their participants. They recognize the value of helping individuals build meaningful
If Social Capital is Not Part of Your Economic and Equity Strategy, You Don’t Have One
Generations of opportunity have been stolen, not because people lack skills, but because they lack industry relationships. We talk endlessly about equity in education and
Why Workforce Programs and Others Must Rethink the Intake Process
The intake process is a critical step in workforce development programs, capturing essential data like demographic details, education history, and employment status. However, this process