In this literature review published September 11, 2012 - The Future of the U.S. Workforce: Middle Skills Jobs and the Growing Importance of Postsecondary Education - Achieve summarizes and synthesizes that research to help policymakers and advocates understand the research base and its connection to college- and career-ready reforms. Specifically the paper includes sections on the future (projections, composition, and demands) of the U.S. workforce; the mismatch between workers’ skills, education levels and job requirements; the many education paths to middle skills jobs; and middle skills jobs and access to middle class jobs. The report also lays out recommendations for steps policymakers and researchers can pursue to ensure all students graduate high school on track to access the career of their choice. Visit http://www.achieve.org