Jobs requiring some postsecondary education are expected to grow faster than average during the next decade, yet too many workers lack the skills and credentials essential for these twenty-first century jobs.  Addressing this mismatch is becoming an economic imperative for workers, employers, and the country as a whole.

The Joyce Foundation launched the Shifting Gears initiative in 2006 to help five Midwest states address this problem.  These states ― Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin ― are re-engineering adult education, workforce development and postsecondary education policies to support economic growth and expand job opportunities for low-skilled workers in the Midwest.

Because Shifting Gears focuses on state-led systemic change, this website is directed toward state policymakers and others across the country seeking to transform state education and training policies to increase economic opportunity for low-skilled adults. 

What’s New

The Community College Research Center examines educational outcomes of students participating in I-BEST, a Washington State program that helps basic skills students enter and succeed in postsecondary education and training.

A new report highlights the characteristics of successful online learning programs for low-skill working adults.

Wisconsin announces plans to help low-wage workers and individuals without a high school diploma gain basic skills and complete short-term training.