The rapidly changing economy is raising the stakes on states to address the skilled workforce needs of employers and to expand economic opportunity to more people and places. To guide the policy actions of states, Jobs for the Future (JFF) designed a comprehensive policy agenda for increasing attainment of postsecondary credentials valued in the labor market and analyzed the extent to which the recommended policies have taken hold in a representative sample of states. Detailed in this report, JFF research finds that states have made progress in adopting several essential policy elements, but critical gaps remain that are undercutting talent development aims and contributing to persistent disparities in education and employment outcomes. Through this research, the authors identified three key findings that highlight critical gaps and areas for improvement, as well as achievements to build upon: (1) States are data rich, but information poor; (2) Expanding access is not enough; and (3) Better align systems to maximize impact. This report provides a road map for state leaders to tackle the tough work ahead and achieve lasting impact for learners, workers, employers, communities, and regional economies.