The Workforce Development portfolio was added in early 2007. The inclusion of this portfolio further strengthens the interconnection among FPWA policy areas. It was developed in response to the growing importance of education, training and employment services to reduce poverty and promote economic security for low-income youth and adults. FPWA believes that all individuals can benefit from career-oriented workforce development programs, regardless of their current income level, skills, education and work history.

FPWA advocates for policies that will expand access to and build capacity of effective workforce development programs, including policies that will:

• Expand education and training opportunities for those with greater barriers to employment, including public assistance recipients, disconnected youth, single parents, previously incarcerated, survivors of domestic violence, and people with disabilities or substance abuse issues.
  
• Extend the scope and capacity of existing workforce development programs so they can have the greatest impact in improving employment outcomes among those currently living in poverty.
  
• Provide incentives for collaborations between community-based organizations, community colleges, training programs, and employers to develop effective career pathways models that blend basic and higher education with vocational training in high-demand sectors.

State

• Create a State-funded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for working young adults between ages 17-24 who are currently ineligible for any Federal or State EITC
  
• Establish a Transitional Jobs/Career Pathways program for low-skilled adults and public assistance recipients

• Create a Contextualized Adult Literacy/ESL Program
  
• Expand education and training programs for disconnected youth, including the Young Adult Internship Program and CUNY Prep.

For more information contact Jill Poklemba, MPP Senior Policy Analyst.