Who we are

Why Close It?

Our journey began in 2013 with the first Close It Summit, the nation's first skills-based hiring summit. We have since produced 12 summits, continuing to see a need to bring together the brightest and best solutions (and people), making a meaningful impact.

This year’s theme is 'Jobs for the Present.' With the shifts in AI and the rapidly changing environment, the Future is not in the Future. It is NOW. We must focus on what is right in front of us and scale the best solutions that ensure employment, economic mobility, and success for the next generation.

Our first summit was on the skills gap. This summit is on the many gaps. A recent study done by The Schulz Foundation https://www.brokenmarketplace.org/ identified significant gaps.

Some findings (and there is SO much more to uncover….so join us at the Summit).

Of the approximately 30 million Americans between 18 and 24 years old, more than half are unemployed, cycling through low-wage jobs or working in roles that fall below their educational attainment, according to an analysis by the Burning Glass Institute.

Four in five (77%) of job postings require at least one year of experience for entry-level roles, and half (50%) demand two or more (years).

Forty-three percent still require at least a four-year degree for entry-level roles, often by habit, not necessity. In fact, 40% say they maintain the requirement simply because it is common practice, not because the degree is essential to job performance.