National Fund for Workforce Solutions
@nationalfund.org
Don’t miss what’s shaping the workforce field. Our Workforce Wrap-Up curates the news that matters — policy, practice, and systems change. Subscribe to get it in your inbox: https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/EA/EA005/1/77902/3xaiU9ej7ukjeUSipqJ4aDX45h9vxhrWuHo6kWDKZUJ_archive
December 22, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Don’t miss what’s shaping the workforce field. Our Workforce Wrap-Up curates the news that matters — policy, practice, and systems change. Subscribe to get it in your inbox: https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/EA/EA005/1/77902/3xaiU9ej7ukjeUSipqJ4aDX45h9vxhrWuHo6kWDKZUJ_archive
Stay current on what’s shaping #wkdev. Subscribe for insights, tools, and network updates: https://nationalfund.org/subscribe/
Subscribe to Our Newsletters | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
Join us for a deeper dive into the diverse, groundbreaking solutions our network employs to tackle local challenges nationwide.
nationalfund.org
December 19, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Stay current on what’s shaping #wkdev. Subscribe for insights, tools, and network updates: https://nationalfund.org/subscribe/
Systems change starts with curiosity. Joel Simon challenges us to push data, researchers, and policy deeper so workforce data reflects workers’ reality. Listen: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce
December 19, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Systems change starts with curiosity. Joel Simon challenges us to push data, researchers, and policy deeper so workforce data reflects workers’ reality. Listen: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce
Reclassifying home care workers as “companions” undermines essential labor—mostly done by women of color. They deserve fair pay and dignity. Read: https://capitalandmain.com/home-care-workers-are-losing-minimum-wage-protections-and-fighting-back
Home Care Workers Are Losing Minimum Wage Protections — and Fighting Back
Three million care workers, many of them Black and Latina women, could be classified as “companions” instead of professionals.
capitalandmain.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reclassifying home care workers as “companions” undermines essential labor—mostly done by women of color. They deserve fair pay and dignity. Read: https://capitalandmain.com/home-care-workers-are-losing-minimum-wage-protections-and-fighting-back
100M workers face economic insecurity. Our regional equity reports show why solutions must be local—and actionable. Dive in: https://nationalfund.org/advancing-workforce-equity-reports/
Advancing Workforce Equity Reports | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
In this time of social upheaval, racial reckoning, and public health crisis, our nation has been forced to confront deep vulnerabilities in our economic system. The painful truth is that the U.S.
nationalfund.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:45 PM
100M workers face economic insecurity. Our regional equity reports show why solutions must be local—and actionable. Dive in: https://nationalfund.org/advancing-workforce-equity-reports/
Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s core to a good job. Employers who design for workers’ realities see stronger engagement. More: https://www.benefitnews.com/news/employees-want-flexibility-as-a-benefit-this-holidays-season
This holiday season, give employees the gift of flexibility
Leaders should be surveying their workforce populations to understand how to best support them through high-stress periods.
www.benefitnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Flexibility isn’t a perk—it’s core to a good job. Employers who design for workers’ realities see stronger engagement. More: https://www.benefitnews.com/news/employees-want-flexibility-as-a-benefit-this-holidays-season
Workforce change doesn’t require a revolution. Small, human-centered actions can shift systems. Start where workers are. See how a coffee maker sparked change: https://nationalfund.org/small-acts-big-shifts/
Small Acts, Big Shifts: How Coffee Makers Are Brewing Change in Childcare | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
Transforming inequitable systems that keep people stuck in low-quality jobs can feel daunting. It’s complex and takes time, but not every step forward needs to be a sweeping revolution. Sometimes…
nationalfund.org
December 18, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Workforce change doesn’t require a revolution. Small, human-centered actions can shift systems. Start where workers are. See how a coffee maker sparked change: https://nationalfund.org/small-acts-big-shifts/
AI is reshaping work. Equitable, accessible skill-building must keep pace so every worker can thrive. Read more: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/briefs/foundational-skills-digital-literacy-in-the-age-of-ai-analysis-and-voices-from-the-field/
Digital Literacy in the Age of AI: Analysis and Voices from the Field
Five recommendations can strengthen digital literacy teaching and learning in ways that are equity-centered and grounded in the experiences of educators, students, and communities.
www.newamerica.org
December 18, 2025 at 12:00 AM
AI is reshaping work. Equitable, accessible skill-building must keep pace so every worker can thrive. Read more: https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/briefs/foundational-skills-digital-literacy-in-the-age-of-ai-analysis-and-voices-from-the-field/
Want behind-the-scenes looks at #StateOfOurWorkforce + National Fund moments? Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nfworkforce
TikTok - Make Your Day
tiktok.com
December 17, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Want behind-the-scenes looks at #StateOfOurWorkforce + National Fund moments? Follow us on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@nfworkforce
“Advocacy isn’t a dirty word.” Philanthropy must show what’s possible—public investment must scale it. Vocational ESOL proves what works for immigrant workers. Listen: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/#unpacked
December 17, 2025 at 2:55 PM
“Advocacy isn’t a dirty word.” Philanthropy must show what’s possible—public investment must scale it. Vocational ESOL proves what works for immigrant workers. Listen: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/#unpacked
With essentials still unaffordable, job quality—not wages alone—determines whether workers can live, not just survive. Story: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-inflation-may-slow-affordability-debate-is-likely-keep-raging-2025-12-12/
US inflation may slow, but the affordability debate is likely to keep raging
Prices haven't fallen as Trump promised during his election campaign, with consumers still struggling through what has now become a nearly five-year case of rolling sticker shock.
www.reuters.com
December 16, 2025 at 11:15 PM
With essentials still unaffordable, job quality—not wages alone—determines whether workers can live, not just survive. Story: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-inflation-may-slow-affordability-debate-is-likely-keep-raging-2025-12-12/
Your front-row seat to workforce transformation. Bold ideas, real stories, actionable strategies. Nationally Powered, Locally Driven. Subscribe: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/
State of Our Workforce | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
State of Our Workforce is your front-row seat to the movement transforming workforce systems across the country. This podcast explores how we build an equitable future where all workers have what they…
nationalfund.org
December 16, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Your front-row seat to workforce transformation. Bold ideas, real stories, actionable strategies. Nationally Powered, Locally Driven. Subscribe: https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/
We partner with local leaders to dismantle barriers, build equitable pathways, and improve job quality. Learn how: https://nationalfund.org/what-we-do/
What We Do | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
What We Do The National Fund unites a dynamic network of regional workforce leaders who partner with us to test new ideas, learn from success and setbacks, and share what works with the field. That is why we collaborate with our Network Partners to: Address systemic barriers to success in the workfo…
nationalfund.org
December 16, 2025 at 1:40 PM
We partner with local leaders to dismantle barriers, build equitable pathways, and improve job quality. Learn how: https://nationalfund.org/what-we-do/
Industry partnerships evolve—our toolkit helps you strengthen yours. Assess strengths, identify gaps, and build better jobs. Explore: https://nationalfund.org/industry-partnership-toolkit/
Toolkit for Developing High-Performing Industry Partnerships
This toolkit guides workforce practitioners through characteristics that are necessary to develop, grow, and improve industry partnerships. It includes a mix of reports and resources that industry…
nationalfund.org
December 15, 2025 at 9:05 PM
Industry partnerships evolve—our toolkit helps you strengthen yours. Assess strengths, identify gaps, and build better jobs. Explore: https://nationalfund.org/industry-partnership-toolkit/
See what’s moving the #wkdev conversation. Follow us: https://www.threads.com/nfworkforce
National Fund for Workforce Solutions (@nfworkforce) • Threads, Say more
40 Followers • 0 Threads • We envision an equitable future where workers, employers, and communities are thriving and prosperous. See the latest conversations with @nfworkforce.
www.threads.com
December 15, 2025 at 6:40 PM
See what’s moving the #wkdev conversation. Follow us: https://www.threads.com/nfworkforce
Even “stable” numbers hide rising vulnerability. Marginalized workers are hit first when markets soften. Data matters. https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/jobless-claims-rose-last-week-but-remained-modest-ac982d23
Jobless Claims Rose Last Week but Remained Modest
The number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rose last week but stayed well within the range that has prevailed over the past year.
www.wsj.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Even “stable” numbers hide rising vulnerability. Marginalized workers are hit first when markets soften. Data matters. https://www.wsj.com/economy/jobs/jobless-claims-rose-last-week-but-remained-modest-ac982d23
SHIFT Conference is coming to Albuquerque! Stay updated — subscribe for announcements. https://shift.nationalfund.org/
SHIFT Conference 2026
Together we can Amplify voices that need to be heard, Activate new solutions to persistent problems, and Accelerate change needed to achieve an equitable workforce.
shift.nationalfund.org
December 12, 2025 at 9:15 PM
SHIFT Conference is coming to Albuquerque! Stay updated — subscribe for announcements. https://shift.nationalfund.org/
In a slowdown, job quality becomes a lifeline. Workers with strong jobs weather uncertainty far better. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-manufacturing-slump-deepens-november-2025-12-01/
US manufacturing stuck in doldrums as tariff headwinds persist
U.S. manufacturing contracted for the ninth straight month in November, with factories facing slumping orders and higher prices for inputs as the drag from import tariffs persisted.
www.reuters.com
December 12, 2025 at 7:45 PM
In a slowdown, job quality becomes a lifeline. Workers with strong jobs weather uncertainty far better. https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-manufacturing-slump-deepens-november-2025-12-01/
Stay sharp on the workforce news that matters. Catch the latest Workforce Wrap-Up. 👇 https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/EA/EA005/1/77902/33aftB5OGearzbsaIFso8p63aubduLE_AFrNHgDT7LH_archive
Workforce Wrap-Up: December 5, 2025
Catch up on the workforce news that matters
prod.cdn.everyaction.com
December 12, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Stay sharp on the workforce news that matters. Catch the latest Workforce Wrap-Up. 👇 https://prod.cdn.everyaction.com/emails/van/EA/EA005/1/77902/33aftB5OGearzbsaIFso8p63aubduLE_AFrNHgDT7LH_archive
Black students are still tracked into lower-wage CTE pathways. Systemic racism persists — and demands change. https://jointcenter.org/breaking-barriers-in-career-and-technical-education-centering-black-students-in-perkins-reauthorization/
Breaking Barriers in Career and Technical Education: Centering Black Students in Perkins Reauthorization - Joint Center
By Justin Nalley, Kayla Elliott, Ph.D., and Araceli Chavez The Joint Center published an issue brief titled “Breaking Barriers in Career and Technical Education: Centering Black Students in Perkins Reauthorization," examining how the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, or Perkins V, influences the experiences of Black learners in career and
jointcenter.org
December 11, 2025 at 10:10 PM
Black students are still tracked into lower-wage CTE pathways. Systemic racism persists — and demands change. https://jointcenter.org/breaking-barriers-in-career-and-technical-education-centering-black-students-in-perkins-reauthorization/
Racial equity is economic strategy. SkillWorks’ Andre Green reflects on 5 years of systems-change in MA. Essential listening. 🎧 https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/#unpacked
December 11, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Racial equity is economic strategy. SkillWorks’ Andre Green reflects on 5 years of systems-change in MA. Essential listening. 🎧 https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce/#unpacked
2026 is a huge year for workforce equity. Don’t miss insights, resources, and updates. Subscribe: https://nationalfund.org/subscribe/
Subscribe to Our Newsletters | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
Join us for a deeper dive into the diverse, groundbreaking solutions our network employs to tackle local challenges nationwide.
nationalfund.org
December 11, 2025 at 3:55 PM
2026 is a huge year for workforce equity. Don’t miss insights, resources, and updates. Subscribe: https://nationalfund.org/subscribe/
Workforce solutions must be local to be effective. Explore the communities powering our network. https://nationalfund.org/our-network/
Our Network | National Fund for Workforce Solutions
The regional collaboratives in our national network bring together diverse local and regional partners to help workers access good jobs, businesses find the talent they need…
nationalfund.org
December 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Workforce solutions must be local to be effective. Explore the communities powering our network. https://nationalfund.org/our-network/
Good jobs are essential infrastructure. In a shaky labor market, job quality protects workers and communities. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/layoff-announcements-this-year-top-1point1-million-the-most-since-2020-when-pandemic-hit-challenger-says.html
Layoff announcements top 1.1 million this year, the most since 2020 pandemic, Challenger says
The firm said layoff plans totaled 71,321 in November, a step down from October but still enough to bring the 2025 total up to 1.17 million.
www.cnbc.com
December 10, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Good jobs are essential infrastructure. In a shaky labor market, job quality protects workers and communities. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/04/layoff-announcements-this-year-top-1point1-million-the-most-since-2020-when-pandemic-hit-challenger-says.html
Data can harm when used wrong. Declaring “good jobs” shouldn’t devalue others. Explore how to use data responsibly. 🎧 https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce
December 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Data can harm when used wrong. Declaring “good jobs” shouldn’t devalue others. Explore how to use data responsibly. 🎧 https://nationalfund.org/state-of-our-workforce