Impact Prize

Recently, we had a conversation with Matthew Klein, the Chief Program and Impact Officer of Robin Hood, about leveraging existing educational infrastructures and programs to open doors to opportunity and careers for more individuals. Matt emphasizes that “investing in our young people, and ensuring that young people from all backgrounds and circumstances have the opportunities to realize their visions for the world, provides a benefit to us all.” We couldn’t agree more – working together to create more equitable education systems and workforce development programs is a critical first step to approach the American skilled labor shortage. #skilledtrades #workforcedevelopment #futureofwork #highereducation

This week, we talked to Maria Flynn, the President and CEO of Jobs for the Future (JFF), about the importance of making soft-skill development accessible to all learners and workers around the country. Maria emphasizes the significance of these skills in the context of the modern workforce: “in this age of AI, soft skills –essentially human skills– are going to be more important than ever.” As technology transforms industries, it is our uniquely “human skills” that drive innovation and success.  Check out Maria Flynn’s op-ed with Aneesh Raman, titled “When Your Technical Skills Are Eclipsed, Your Humanity Will Matter More Than Ever" https://lnkd.in/e4i7naDN #futureofwork #softskills #artificialintelligence #workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades

We are so excited to announce the winners and finalists for the 2024 Impact Prize! In its inaugural year, the Impact Prize focused on recognizing nonprofit programs with proven outcomes leading to high-value employment for people from diverse backgrounds. Meet our 2024 Impact Prize Winners:   • Lost Angels Career Center • Rebuilding Exchange  • Rise Up Industries • West Virginia Women Work, Inc. These four organizations, spanning various sectors and industries, impressed us with their excellence in advancing economic mobility through innovative workforce development and technical training initiatives. We can’t wait to show you more about the incredible impact they are making in their communities. We also want to recognize the following Impact Prize finalists for their outstanding work: BEST Hospitality Training, Grace Institute, Manufacturing Works, The Marcy Lab School, Next Chapter, Revolution Workshop Thank you to Thomas Iovino and the team at Iovino Family Foundation, Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, the Selection Committee, and all applicants for making the first Impact Prize a success! Learn more about the Impact Prize and our 2024 winners and finalists at https://lnkd.in/ewCmMcEP. Read the press release: https://lnkd.in/eV7v_bqk.

We had an insightful chat with prize judge Patrice McConnell Cromwell, the Vice President of the Center for Economic Opportunity at the Annie E. Casey Foundation, on the importance of increasing diversity in workforce development. Patrice shared key challenges and effective strategies for increasing participation of low-income workers and parents in educational programs, highlighting that “diversity includes bringing all voices to the decision-making table.” #workforcedevelopment #futureofwork #innovation #goodjobs #education #skilledtrades #highereducation #economicprosperity

We had a great chat with Beth Cobert, the Former President of the Markle Foundation and a member of the Selection Committee for the Impact Prize, discussing the importance of uniting efforts for meaningful change. Beth highlights the critical components needed for real progress in workforce development: employers providing opportunities, community-based organizations fostering trust, education providers offering essential skills, and government support to set the stage. Stay tuned for more from the Prize Committee! #workforcedevelopment #futureofwork #innovation #goodjobs #education #skilledtrades #highereducation #economicprosperity

Forbes' latest article, "The Crisis Under the Hood: America's Skilled Labor Shortage," sheds light on an urgent issue: the shortage of skilled laborers that’s affecting industries and communities nationwide. It's time to reshape the dialogue and perceptions surrounding skilled trades. The article identifies key factors driving the shortage, including cultural shifts, the stigma around blue-collar jobs, the “college or bust" mentality, and the aging workforce. It also highlights the opportunities: competitive wages, personal fulfillment, and job security and resistance to automation, outsourcing, and AI threats. At The Impact Prize, we believe in championing innovative solutions that reshape the future of work. Let's celebrate and support organizations leading the charge in skilled labor development — tag someone making a difference! #workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades #highereducation #innovation #futureofwork #highered #entrepreneurship https://lnkd.in/eF9Sq4ZY

We are overwhelmed by the incredible response! We received 352 applications from 39 states for the Impact Prize, representing a diverse range of innovative solutions driving positive change. We’re inspired by the creativity and dedication showcased by these applicants, and we look forward to sharing the winning projects working to advance economic prosperity for more people in the United States. Stay tuned! #workforcedevelopment #skilledtrades #highereducation #innovation #futureofwork

Three days ago, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released the 2024 Kids Count Data Book, a comprehensive dive into how states are supporting our children. An emphasis was placed in this year’s report on ensuring that children have all of the support and resources they need to enter their classrooms prepared to learn. The report reveals that the U.S. continues to have significant gaps in educational achievement by race and income throughout all stages of development. Too few children have the literacy and numeracy skills that would equip them to be successful adults and workers, and the insights from the data serve as “an early warning that our country’s future workforce could lack the skills needed to sustain a healthy economy” (5). The Impact Prize supports initiatives working to close these gaps and make educational achievement possible for children from all backgrounds. #futureofwork #skilledtrades #workforcedevelopment #innovation #jobquality #economicprosperity #changemakers

The 2024 Skilled Trades in America Report reveals a remarkable 90% job satisfaction rate among skilled trade professionals. This groundbreaking finding comes at a time where those in other industries are increasingly anxious about the rise of AI and automation technologies. However, surveyed workers aged 25-44 cite stigma around trade jobs as a primary reason more young people aren’t joining these fields. The Impact Prize aims to elevate the perception of technical and trade careers, especially among youth populations. Angi https://lnkd.in/eag9Gk6K #futureofwork #skilledtrades #workforcedevelopment #innovation #jobquality #economicprosperity

We are thrilled by the incredible response to the 2024 Impact Prize! Thank you to every organization that applied – we are grateful for your dedication to workforce innovation and commitment to creating positive change in our economic landscape. Our selection team will now begin evaluating each application. We are looking forward to reviewing the impactful initiatives that you have shared with us. #workforcedevelopment #highereducation #innovation #futureofwork #jobquality #economicprosperity