As the United States enters its semi-quincentennial year — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence — it faces significant upheaval. Rapid technology advancement has changed how Americans think about postsecondary education, work, and career progression while political polarization seems to have deeply divided our society. These challenges are real, but … Continued
As a child growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina Elizabeth “Ellie” Borowiak wanted to be a doctor. Even in elementary school, she routinely talked to her parents about that ambition. Then as a high school sophomore, she took a government class that touched on constitutional law. After school that day, she asked her parents if … Continued
Every person desires meaning and purpose. But can fostering an individual’s sense of purpose at work be a win-win for that person and their employer? A new Gallup report says the answer is yes — there is mutual benefit when businesses help their workers identify what gives them meaning in their lives. Why? Because when employees find purpose in their work, … Continued
Expanding non-degree pathways to skills and aptitude development will unlock the potential of every human being, especially those from underserved groups or communities. As The Associated Press recently reported, through its Global Innovation Challenge, Citi Foundation will contribute $25 million to 50 groups across the globe that are working to provide digital skills, technical training, and career … Continued
For generations, young Americans have been told that the only route to success is through the four-year college system. And for generations, this message has been incomplete. There are numerous pathways that can lead to a life of fulfillment and contribution — elementary, middle, and high school students just need to understand what those routes … Continued
In Colorado, artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting the job market — in a way that benefits both employers and employees. With it, employers can find motivated workers with a powerful desire to contribute while job seekers are introduced to jobs that offer opportunity and meaning. Colorado Thrives, a nonprofit coalition of influential CEOs and business … Continued
What are the principles that drive human progress? Northwestern University economics professor Dr. Joel Mokyr has spent his career contemplating this question, and he recently was co-awarded the Nobel Prize for Economic Sciences for his work. More specifically, Mokyr was awarded the prize “for having identified the prerequisites for sustained growth through technological progress.” As Mokyr told … Continued
While there are many quotable lines from the 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz,” one spoken by Glinda the Good Witch to Dorothy may best articulate the principles that animate the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC). “You’ve always had the power, my dear,” Glinda says. “You just had to learn it yourself.” Set in Kansas — just like … Continued
A 2025 survey conducted by Workplace Intelligence found 96 percent of U.S. employers want colleges and universities to take more responsibility for workforce training. With Education Design Lab as their partner, dozens of community colleges are responding to this demand, and in doing so they are revealing a core truth: people flourish when they can discover and … Continued
Jobs are more than a paycheck, and every employee brings their own gifts, motivations, and purpose into the workplace. As Dr. Angela Jackson said on a recent episode of the Drucker Institute podcast “Doing the Right Things Well,” every person also comes into the workplace with a purpose, whether that is to provide a better future for their families, to contribute … Continued
