Building Bridges to a Good Jobs Economy
July 31, 2024, 4:53 pm
Location: United States, District of Columbia, Washington
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1903
Total raised: $4M
In the landscape of American labor, a new initiative is taking root. The "Good Jobs Economy" initiative, launched by America Achieves, aims to weave together economic growth and mobility. It’s a bold step toward ensuring that good jobs are not just a dream but a reality for many. This initiative is not just about creating jobs; it’s about creating pathways to prosperity.
America Achieves, a national nonprofit, has set its sights on local communities. The goal? To help them harness their unique strengths and resources to foster economic growth. The initiative is backed by a significant philanthropic investment of $20 million, a seed that promises to grow into a robust support system for local economies.
The initiative builds on the successes of Regional Tech Hubs, which have already shown how targeted investment can stimulate local economies. By providing tools, frameworks, and evidence-based strategies, America Achieves aims to empower communities to create their own "Good Jobs Economies." This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each community will tailor its strategies to fit its specific needs and circumstances.
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to living-wage jobs. These are not just any jobs; they are positions that allow individuals to support themselves and their families. The focus is on high-growth sectors, where demand for skilled labor is on the rise. By aligning workforce development with industry needs, America Achieves is creating a bridge between education and employment.
Philanthropic partners play a crucial role in this initiative. Organizations like Blue Meridian Partners and the George Kaiser Family Foundation are stepping up to provide the necessary funding. Their support is not just financial; it’s a commitment to building a future where economic mobility is within reach for everyone. The involvement of prominent philanthropists, including MacKenzie Scott, signals a growing recognition of the importance of equitable job access.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced this initiative during its Innovative Capital Summit, highlighting the government's support for these efforts. The initiative is not just about funding; it’s about fostering collaboration among local leaders, businesses, and educational institutions. By strengthening governance and capacity within regional coalitions, America Achieves is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development.
The initiative will also focus on workforce and talent strategies. This includes developing effective local workforce intermediaries that can connect job seekers with opportunities. It’s about creating a network of support that helps individuals navigate the job market. With tailored technical assistance, communities will be equipped to tackle their unique challenges.
But what does success look like? America Achieves plans to establish "proof points" in selected communities. These are tangible examples of how the Good Jobs Economy can thrive. By sharing lessons learned and best practices, the initiative aims to inspire other communities to follow suit. It’s a ripple effect, where one success story can lead to many more.
As the initiative unfolds, America Achieves will continue to advocate for bipartisan public policy that supports economic mobility. This is a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize job creation and equitable access to opportunities. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background.
In a parallel effort, Skanska USA is making strides in the construction industry. The company has committed to the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, aiming to increase the participation of women in this traditionally male-dominated field. This initiative aligns with the Million Women in Construction initiative, which seeks to expand the workforce by focusing on women and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Skanska’s commitment is a testament to the changing landscape of the construction industry. By adopting best practices for recruiting and retaining talent, the company is paving the way for a more inclusive workforce. This is not just about filling positions; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
The CHIPS Women in Construction Framework outlines five key areas of focus: setting goals, building partnerships, developing training pathways, providing supportive services, and maintaining safe workplaces. These practices are essential for creating an environment where women can thrive in construction. Skanska’s proactive approach is a model for other companies to follow.
Together, these initiatives represent a shift in how we think about work and opportunity in America. They highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. The Good Jobs Economy initiative and Skanska’s commitment to women in construction are not just isolated efforts; they are part of a larger movement toward economic equity.
As we look to the future, the message is clear: good jobs should be accessible to all. With the right support and resources, communities can build their own pathways to prosperity. The Good Jobs Economy initiative is a beacon of hope, illuminating the way forward for countless individuals seeking a better life.
In this evolving landscape, the construction industry and local economies are not just building structures; they are building futures. The commitment to inclusivity and economic mobility is a powerful force, one that can transform lives and communities. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is limitless.
America Achieves, a national nonprofit, has set its sights on local communities. The goal? To help them harness their unique strengths and resources to foster economic growth. The initiative is backed by a significant philanthropic investment of $20 million, a seed that promises to grow into a robust support system for local economies.
The initiative builds on the successes of Regional Tech Hubs, which have already shown how targeted investment can stimulate local economies. By providing tools, frameworks, and evidence-based strategies, America Achieves aims to empower communities to create their own "Good Jobs Economies." This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each community will tailor its strategies to fit its specific needs and circumstances.
At the heart of this initiative is the commitment to living-wage jobs. These are not just any jobs; they are positions that allow individuals to support themselves and their families. The focus is on high-growth sectors, where demand for skilled labor is on the rise. By aligning workforce development with industry needs, America Achieves is creating a bridge between education and employment.
Philanthropic partners play a crucial role in this initiative. Organizations like Blue Meridian Partners and the George Kaiser Family Foundation are stepping up to provide the necessary funding. Their support is not just financial; it’s a commitment to building a future where economic mobility is within reach for everyone. The involvement of prominent philanthropists, including MacKenzie Scott, signals a growing recognition of the importance of equitable job access.
The U.S. Department of Commerce announced this initiative during its Innovative Capital Summit, highlighting the government's support for these efforts. The initiative is not just about funding; it’s about fostering collaboration among local leaders, businesses, and educational institutions. By strengthening governance and capacity within regional coalitions, America Achieves is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic development.
The initiative will also focus on workforce and talent strategies. This includes developing effective local workforce intermediaries that can connect job seekers with opportunities. It’s about creating a network of support that helps individuals navigate the job market. With tailored technical assistance, communities will be equipped to tackle their unique challenges.
But what does success look like? America Achieves plans to establish "proof points" in selected communities. These are tangible examples of how the Good Jobs Economy can thrive. By sharing lessons learned and best practices, the initiative aims to inspire other communities to follow suit. It’s a ripple effect, where one success story can lead to many more.
As the initiative unfolds, America Achieves will continue to advocate for bipartisan public policy that supports economic mobility. This is a call to action for lawmakers to prioritize job creation and equitable access to opportunities. The goal is to create an environment where everyone can thrive, regardless of their background.
In a parallel effort, Skanska USA is making strides in the construction industry. The company has committed to the CHIPS Women in Construction Framework, aiming to increase the participation of women in this traditionally male-dominated field. This initiative aligns with the Million Women in Construction initiative, which seeks to expand the workforce by focusing on women and economically disadvantaged individuals.
Skanska’s commitment is a testament to the changing landscape of the construction industry. By adopting best practices for recruiting and retaining talent, the company is paving the way for a more inclusive workforce. This is not just about filling positions; it’s about fostering a culture where everyone feels valued and empowered.
The CHIPS Women in Construction Framework outlines five key areas of focus: setting goals, building partnerships, developing training pathways, providing supportive services, and maintaining safe workplaces. These practices are essential for creating an environment where women can thrive in construction. Skanska’s proactive approach is a model for other companies to follow.
Together, these initiatives represent a shift in how we think about work and opportunity in America. They highlight the importance of collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. The Good Jobs Economy initiative and Skanska’s commitment to women in construction are not just isolated efforts; they are part of a larger movement toward economic equity.
As we look to the future, the message is clear: good jobs should be accessible to all. With the right support and resources, communities can build their own pathways to prosperity. The Good Jobs Economy initiative is a beacon of hope, illuminating the way forward for countless individuals seeking a better life.
In this evolving landscape, the construction industry and local economies are not just building structures; they are building futures. The commitment to inclusivity and economic mobility is a powerful force, one that can transform lives and communities. The journey is just beginning, but the potential is limitless.