The State of Affairs
For 250 years, the United States has been defined by the promise that people who work hard can build stable lives for themselves and their families. Yet, there is a growing gap between people who want to work and communities where good jobs are within reach. At the same time, artificial intelligence and technological change are accelerating disruption that existing systems are not prepared to manage.
At The Rockefeller Foundation, we believe economic change does not have to leave people behind.
That is why we are advancing a new U.S. jobs strategy focused on identifying and scaling solutions that help distressed communities navigate disruption, adapt to technological change, and connect more people to good, resilient jobs.
Why It Matters
- 0MillionMillion
Americans live in communities
where employment significantly lags the national average, and the number of these communities has grown by more than 50% since 2000
- 0%%
of workers could see up to
half of their job tasks disrupted by AI, and current AI models could replace 11–12% of the U.S. workforce
- 0MillionMillion
U.S. jobs in high‑growth sectors
like healthcare and energy are inaccessible to workers in distressed communities due to mismatches in skills, childcare, credentials, and capital
Our Strategy
- 1 We scale what’s already working in distressed communities across the country so success in one place doesn’t remain isolated while similar communities struggle on their own.
- 2 We modernize economic and workforce development systems by shifting policy, funding, and financing toward what actually helps people get hired, stay employed, and move forward through disruption.
- 3 We help distressed communities and workers adapt to AI before disruption becomes detachment, ensuring technological progress expands opportunity rather than deepening divides.
Initiatives
Related Grants
From climate, to taxes, to small businesses, we are working with grantees to build a more equitable America.
A Fair Shot for Every Community: Why Good Jobs Are the American Promise
Millions of Americans are ready to work but remain disconnected from opportunity. Expanding access to quality jobs is essential to restoring economic mobility and ensuring every community has a fair shot at a better future.
Read the perspective
Recent News
- Apr 21 2026Press Releases Rockefeller Foundation Launches $100 Million “Good Jobs for America” Strategy New Big Bet on America’s workers is part of $300 million commitment to America’s future, made since 2023, to help communities and workers thrive amid technological and economic change. Scalable national jobs model aims to benefit up to 20 million people across 250 distressed …
- Apr 21 2026In the News Opinion | The Overlooked Way AI Could Speed Hiring and Support Workers Source: washingtonpost.com
- Apr 21 2026In the News Exclusive: Rockefeller Foundation’s $100M Jobs Bet Targets AI Disruption Source: axios.com
Impact Stories
Pathways to economic opportunity are truly diverse. Across the country, transformative solutions and hard work are helping Americans realize a more equitable economy.
