How can higher education better prepare students for lives—and careers—that work?In this episode of Radical Cooperation, Dr. Michael Horowitz is joined by Elizabeth Erickson, Executive Director of Higher Expectations for Racine County, to explore how colleges, employers, and communities can co-design education systems that lead to real opportunity. Drawing on her experience in Racine County and across the StriveTogether network, Elizabeth shares how career pathways are built not by chance, but through trust, alignment, and hands-on experience.

From connecting high school students to dual credit and early fieldwork, to helping first-generation college students access mentorship and complete degrees, this conversation reveals how local partnerships can drive workforce success and transform entire communities.

In this episode:

• Why career pathways must start earlier and be built with intention
• How real-world learning supports retention and long-term success
• What it takes to align institutions, employers, and families around student futures