Career Pathways: expanding access to living wage careers
At Social Impact Partners (SIP), we believe that a strong, career-connected postsecondary education system is essential to expanding economic mobility and a thriving Connecticut economy.
Most jobs that pay a living wage now require some form of postsecondary credential. Yet more than 1 million Connecticut residents aged 25–64 do not hold a college degree. Strengthening access to affordable, career-connected higher education is critical to ensuring opportunities for all.
Why It Matters
The Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system — which includes CT State (the community college system), the Connecticut State Universities and Charter Oak State College — plays a vital role in preparing residents for good jobs.
- Fewer than 50% of Connecticut’s high school graduates are college- and career-ready.
- Only 15% of community college students graduate within three years.
- CSCU educates one in four higher education students statewide, with 50% of undergraduates from low-income families and 95% staying in Connecticut after graduation.
- Connecticut currently ranks last in the nation for participation in dual-enrollment programs, which let high school students earn college credits early — a key driver of college readiness and affordability.
These gaps limit opportunity for students and leave employers struggling to find workers with the right skills.
What SIP Is Doing
To address these challenges, SIP partnered with CSCU to develop ReNew CSCU, a forward-looking plan that defines clear priorities and investment strategies to strengthen the system and improve outcomes for students, families and employers.
Our Focus
- Expanding Early College Access: Launching dual-enrollment programs across 36+ low-income school districts, giving 40,000+ students a head start on college and career pathways.
- Building Career Pathways: Connecting education to employment in high-demand sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, technology, business, education and clean energy.
- Boosting College Completion: Redesigning student support services to help more students earn credits, explore careers and double graduation rates.
- Supporting Student Success: Partnering with CSCU to develop and pilot a comprehensive success model for two- and four-year colleges, adapted from proven frameworks in other states.
The Bottom Line
SIP’s work in postsecondary education is grounded in collaboration and partnership. By working with CSCU, employers, educators and state leaders, we’re helping to align programs with real-world needs and ensure students are prepared for meaningful, living-wage careers.
