In the context of the learn-and-work ecosystem, refers to the ability of individuals to move up the socioeconomic ladder through education and employment opportunities. This concept is crucial as it highlights how access to quality education and meaningful work can help individuals improve their social and economic status.

Key points about social mobility in this context:

• Education as a foundation: Education, especially higher education, is often seen as a primary driver of social mobility. It provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to secure better job opportunities and improve their living standards.
• Work opportunities: Employment plays a significant role in social mobility. Access to well-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities can help individuals climb the socioeconomic ladder.
• Barriers to mobility: Despite the potential for education and work to drive social mobility, there are often barriers such as socioeconomic disparities, lack of access to quality education, and limited job opportunities in certain regions.
• Ecosystem support: Creating an ecosystem that supports social mobility involves policies and initiatives that ensure equitable access to education and employment opportunities. This includes addressing systemic inequalities and providing support for disadvantaged groups.

Social mobility is a key factor in college rankings, particularly in the U.S. News & World Report rankings. It measures how well colleges and universities support economically disadvantaged students in completing their degrees and improving their economic status. This is often assessed by looking at the graduation rates of students who receive Pell Grants, which are typically awarded to students from lower-income families. The Social Mobility Index (SMI) also evaluates institutions based on their ability to graduate students from low-income backgrounds into well-paying jobs.

Examples of social mobility efforts in the learn/work ecosystem:

• Social Capital Development: Programs that enhance social capital by helping students build networks and relationships that can lead to job opportunities. This includes attending industry-specific events, joining professional organizations, and leveraging social media platforms.
• Career Navigation Support: Initiatives that provide accurate information, skills training, and credentials to help individuals navigate their career paths. This includes wraparound resources and supports, such as mentorship programs and career counseling.
• Workplace Inclusion Programs: Efforts to remove barriers related to socioeconomic background in the workplace. This includes debiasing HR practices, providing equitable development opportunities, and ensuring job security and benefits for employees from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

These efforts collectively aim to improve social mobility by providing the necessary support and resources for individuals to advance in their education and careers.

See: Economic Mobility | Learn & Work Ecosystem Library