Two years ago, when leaders at California State University, Long Beach set out to create a comprehensive campuswide mental health strategic plan, they were hard pressed to find a template at other universities across the country. So they started from scratch.

Improving mental health services for college students has become a national priority. And CSU Long Beach is taking the issue to a new level, with 60 initiatives that will unfold through 2025. 

Photo: Amanda Andrade-Rhoades/The Washington Post

The lack of a college credential has traditionally shut workers out of their desired professions and the wealth accumulation that comes with them. That may be changing. 

Thanks to a tight labor market, more good jobs are opening up to workers without a bachelor’s degree. Several states have already announced plans to hire more workers based on their skills, not degrees. Many private-sector employers are rolling back B.A. requirements, too. Will it last?