Good Work Value Alignment

“Good Work Value Alignment: Measuring the Non-Economic Value of Postsecondary Credentials Across Sectors,” is a 15-month project which is exploring how students and professionals in high-need fields, including healthcare, IT/technology, and construction/architecture, define the value of post-high school credentials beyond purely economic measures. Building on nearly three decades of “Good Work” research, the study will elevate how meaning, purpose, social contribution, and identity shape learners’ and workers’ views of their education and careers.

Through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with a nationally representative sample, the research team will gather insights from today’s diverse student populations and professionals to inform more inclusive approaches to higher education and workforce development. One of the project’s key outcomes will be the development of a prototype tool to measure the non-economic value of credentials—capturing dimensions such as ethical responsibility, civic engagement, and community contribution. We look forward to sharing updates as the study unfolds and to contributing knowledge that helps institutions and employers better support students in preparing not only for available work, but for meaningful work. We are deeply grateful to Lumina Foundation for their generous support and partnership in advancing this work.

Resources

Beyond Job Readiness

Learn about the key findings from the Good Work Value Alignment study. 
Use dilemmas drawn directly from real employees in architecture/construction, IT, and healthcare.

Workplace Dilemmas

A Degree Opens the Door…

Reflections on the Good Work Value Alignment findings in IT. *Hosted on The Good Project's blog.

Technical Report

Read about the survey development and the analyses in depth. 

The Weight of the Degree

Reflections on good work and the the HILT Conference 2026. *Hosted on The Good Project's Blog.
Reflections on the Good Work Value Alignment findings in Architecture/Construction. *Hosted on The Good Project's blog.

Why Knowing How Isn’t Quite the Same…

Instrument Toolkit

Interested in using the survey? Read here. 

Knowing What to Do Is Only the Beginning

Reflections on the Good Work Value Alignment findings in healthcare. *Hosted on The Good Project's blog.
Reflections on our updated understanding of what it means to do "good work" beyond the 3Es. *Hosted on The Good Project's blog.

What Does it Mean to do Good Work Today?