The path from education to meaningful work has never been more complex or more critical. Across the country, students are questioning the value of college, while employers are urgently seeking skilled, adaptable talent. At America Succeeds, we believe durable skills are the foundation of long-term economic mobility, and we’re partnering with organizations that share that belief and are building the tools to make it real.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Willow, an innovative career-exploration and postsecondary-planning platform designed to help every student find their best next step.
Reimagining Career Exploration for Every Learner
The data tells a clear story:
- 55% of students are questioning the value of college and actively seeking alternatives.
- Over $300 billion in debt is held by 40 million Americans who pursued—but didn’t complete—a degree.
- Nearly 50% of low-income students who start college don’t finish.
At the same time, 75% of students say they want more career exploration support in high school. Willow was created to respond to that call. Through an engaging curriculum and AI-powered platform, Willow helps students identify their strengths, explore a full range of postsecondary options, including both college and professional programs, and make informed choices based on quality, cost, and return on investment.
Their comprehensive, durable skills–aligned career planning curriculum utilizes the Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework and includes over 150 flexible lessons across four key domains:
- Purpose Development
- Career Exploration
- Postsecondary Match
- Adulting & AI
These modules seamlessly integrate into advisory or seminar settings and are designed to make career exploration both engaging and actionable for every student.
A Shared Vision for Economic Mobility
America Succeeds and Willow are aligned in our commitment to bridging education and the workforce through durable skills, purpose-driven exploration, and equitable access to opportunity. Together, we’re working to ensure that every student, regardless of background, can discover, pursue, and thrive in a high-quality postsecondary pathway that leads to meaningful work.
As Willow founder and CEO James Cryan puts it:
“Too often we’re not being honest enough with students about which next steps are working, and which aren’t. By helping students make quality next steps, we can transform the economic and social mobility of communities.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Looking Ahead
Through this partnership, we’ll collaborate on integrating durable skills measurement into Willow’s platform and resources, ensuring that students not only explore pathways, but also develop the resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving skills they’ll need to succeed in them.
Together, we’re building a system where every learner can turn potential into purpose—and purpose into a pathway to prosperity.
Learn more about Willow.
Learn more about America Succeeds’ Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework.
