The initiative arrives as artificial intelligence reshapes job requirements, potentially disrupting traditional pathways for the 75 million U.S. workers labeled as STARs—those Skilled Through Alternative Routes. While more than 30 states have already begun removing degree requirements, the new guide aims to move beyond initial commitments toward sustained, long-term administrative change. By analyzing 190 million job transitions, the organization found that intentional job design is critical to ensuring AI does not eliminate the on-the-job experience necessary for career advancement.

Blair Corcoran de Castillo, senior vice president at Opportunity@Work, emphasized that the public sector has effectively led this transition. The playbook synthesizes lessons from states like Maryland, which pioneered "Tear the Paper Ceiling" initiatives, to provide a roadmap for agency leaders and policy staff. Data suggests these efforts are yielding results: there are currently 783,000 more STARs in well-paid roles than predicted by 2020 trends, and 77% of employers now report an increased openness to hiring candidates without four-year degrees.