Third Sector and Education Strategy Group (ESG) are proud to announce the release of their new report, “The Future is Portable: Designing Equitable Credentialing Ecosystems.” This timely publication explores the transformative potential of non-degree credentials (NDCs) and digital wallets in advancing economic mobility and equity, while also addressing the challenges that hinder their widespread adoption and impact.

The report highlights how NDCs—such as certificates, certifications, licenses, and badges—are becoming increasingly vital pathways to quality jobs. Yet, today’s credentialing landscape remains fragmented, leaving learners uncertain about which NDCs hold value and employers

Third Sector is partnering with the Orange County Health Care Agency to provide comprehensive implementation support and subject matter expertise for the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), California’s landmark legislation to transform behavioral health systems. Under the BHSA, counties must redesign Full Service Partnerships (FSPs) to prioritize behavioral health equity, integrate mental health and substance abuse services, and deliver measurable outcomes.

This work falls under Orange County’s PIVOT initiative, a multi-component BHSA Innovation project designed to test bold approaches to behavioral health transformation. Through this effort, Third Sector will serve as

With support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s SNAP Employment & Training Partnership Grant, the National Governors Association (NGA), in partnership with Third Sector, has launched the second cohort of the Policy Academy to Strengthen SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) Delivery. Cross-agency teams from Maryland, North Carolina, Idaho, and South Carolina have been selected to join this national initiative focused on expanding access to SNAP E&T services. Together with NGA and participating states, Third Sector will help advance strategies that improve service coordination and strengthen outcomes for SNAP E&T participants.

This

Third Sector is delighted to announce an expansion of our work advancing the adoption of Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs) through a renewed $1 million grant from the Sijbrandij Foundation. This investment deepens the work of our Postsecondary Opportunity Practice Area, positioning LiLAs as a core strategy to support adult learners in accessing flexible, career-connected funding for education, upskilling, and credential attainment.

LiLAs are learner-centered savings vehicles that help individuals fund postsecondary education and workforce training, especially outside of traditional degree paths. In this next phase, Third Sector will continue to partner

Third Sector, in partnership with the Families and Workers Fund, announced that it will support over the next 11 months a cohort of four states – Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, and New Mexico – in designing workforce initiatives to build a pipeline of quality jobs in the climate and infrastructure sectors. Third Sector’s support is part of the Fund’s Powering Climate and Infrastructure Careers Challenge, which will support 14 awardees in total.

We need our government to take action to simplify and streamline the structures and tools that help individuals fund lifelong learning. That’s why Third Sector is proposing a SIMPLE framework to help create a more streamlined approach to saving and paying for postsecondary education and job training that can provide clarity and ease for learners, workers, employers, and all those who care about ensuring these opportunities are accessible to everyone.