Report

This report summarizes key outcomes and lessons from the Casey Foundation's Jobs Initiative, which emphasized workforce development reforms on behalf of low-skilled job seekers in urban areas – from job quality, job retention and career advancement to employer engagement and systems change.

November 2, 2001

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  1. 1

    The five main components of the Jobs Initiative.

  2. 2

    The chronology of the Jobs Initiative, from 1995 through 2004.

  3. 3

    The Theory of Change framework that tracked the progress of workforce development efforts.

  4. 4

    The role of ethnography in creating effective case management.

  1. 5

    How to match job seekers with training programs that meet their specific needs.

  2. 6

    The difference between several job training programs.

  3. 7

    Tips for engaging employers in the recruitment, retention and training of disadvantaged job seekers.

  4. 8

    Why soft skills are especially important in overcoming employers’ racial and ethnic stereotypes.

Key Takeaway

Changing the Labor Market

To improve the prospects of disadvantaged job seekers, workforce development strategies must cut across education, training, welfare, human services and economic development systems – as well as change the way employers recruit, supervise and reward workers. 

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations

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