Allison Gerber’s Post

How do states implement their sector partnerships and capture impact for Black workers? Learn more in the the Joint Center’s latest issue brief: https://lnkd.in/ej_GzUW3

New research from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies highlights critical strategies to improve job quality for Black workers in sector partnership programs. https://lnkd.in/g7-iNyPc Sector partnerships are collaborations among multiple employers in the same industry, along with educational institutions, community organizations, unions, and training providers. These partnerships aim to develop workers' skills and place them in in-demand jobs within specific industries. Key findings include: • Sector partnerships can increase earnings for Black workers, but racial disparities persist • Only 1 of 6 states studied (California) reports outcome data by race for these programs • Job quality standards are essential but inconsistently implemented across states • Recommendations include: - Dedicated federal funding for sector partnerships - Codifying job quality standards in workforce laws - Expanding data reporting requirements by race - Implementing a national tracking system for these programs The study examined sector partnerships in California, Colorado, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas, offering valuable insights for policymakers and workforce leaders across the country. As the nation's premier Black think tank, the Joint Center continues to produce vital research to inform policies that advance equitable economic opportunities for Black workers. GLUE encourages all policy makers and influencers to follow their work. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requires states to implement sector partnerships, but effectiveness varies. What sector partnerships are working well in your city? How are they addressing the needs of Black workers? #WorkforceDevelopment #RacialEquity #PolicyResearch #SectorPartnerships Author, Justin Nalley, MPA, is a senior policy analyst for the Workforce Policy Program at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Studies like this make me proud to come from a tradition of Black Nationalism, which emphasizes self-reliance and building for ourselves (do-4-self). Rather than depending on employers, our focus has always been on becoming the employers, creating opportunities not only for ourselves but also for others. Most people, based on very strategic tactics, don't know the organization I was mostly involved with (Nuwaubian Nation), being more familiar with movements led by people like Marcus Garvey or areas like Black Wall Street. I stand on my argument that movements like ours can only exist in a capitalist system. #capitalism #workforce #research #studies

I always appreciate the quality content from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the oldest and most prestigious Black think tank in the nation. Check out their issue brief on sector partnership programs and the Black workforce. What institutions are leading workforce efforts in your city? #workforce #thinktank #sectorpartnership #breakingsilos #leadership #blackleadership #policy #practice #solutions

Quality data collection and reporting for sector partnerships can reveal programmatic trends to ensure equitable implementation for Black workers, however, not every state provides outcomes data by race. Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/ej_GzUW3

Bridging the Gap: Towards Economic Equity for Black Workers In a world where talent is universal but opportunities are not, the wage gap remains a stark reminder of the economic inequities facing Black workers. This gap isn't just a number—it's a reflection of systemic barriers that limit potential and prosperity. But what if we could change the narrative? Imagine a workplace where equity isn't just a buzzword, but a cornerstone of economic strategy. Where discussions on wage disparities lead to actionable plans, empowering Black professionals and ensuring their talents are rewarded equitably. Strategies for Change: 1. Transparency in Pay: Encourage companies to adopt transparent pay practices, revealing disparities and prompting equitable adjustments. 2. Mentorship and Sponsorship: Invest in programs that support the career advancement of Black workers, bridging the gap from entry-level positions to leadership roles. 3. Policy Advocacy: Support legislation that promotes fair wages and combats discrimination, ensuring a level playing field for all. This is more than an aspiration; it's a necessity for a just and prosperous society. By confronting these challenges head-on, we can forge a future where economic equity is a reality, not a dream. Join me in championing these strategies, sparking conversations, and taking action towards closing the wage gap. Together, we can create a world of equal opportunity and reward for Black workers and beyond. #EconomicEquity #WageGap #BlackProfessionals #InclusiveEconomics #ChangeMakers

Congratulations to the UCLA Labor Center for 60 Years of progressive research, leadership development, and service to the labor community. The UCLA Labor Center, established in 1994, focuses on the study and support of labor movements and worker rights, particularly in Los Angeles and California. Dedicated to research, education, and community outreach, the Center emphasizes labor as a critical component of social justice, empowering workers and promoting equitable labor conditions, especially for marginalized communities. Alongside its work, the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity at Work (CARE) was launched to address racial disparities in labor markets. CARE conducts research, develops policy recommendations, and creates training programs that promote equitable workplace practices, collaborating with labor organizations, community groups, and policymakers to advance racial equity for all workers. As partners, UCLA CARE has been instrumental in conducting important reports for the Inland Empire Black Worker Center, including “Ain’t No Sunshine: The State of Black Workers in the Inland Empire” (2020), “Essential Stories: Black Worker COVID-19 Economic Health Impact Survey” (2022), and “Unlocking Potential: The Inland Empire Black Worker Center’s Transformative IE Works Program” (2023). These reports provide critical insights into the challenges faced by Black Workers in the region and highlight the need for systemic change to promote equity and justice in the workforce. Together, these centers and their partnerships significantly contribute to improving labor rights and addressing racial inequities in the job market. https://lnkd.in/gVpSNcpq https://lnkd.in/gRP6J6F9 https://lnkd.in/g2QyHaih

📌 Attention Employers: Unlock up to $7,000 in wage subsidies when you hire an ADaPT participant! One of ADaPT for Black Youth’s key aspects is connecting our digitally trained young Black talent with businesses like yours. Businesses receive: 💡 Help with targeted searches and support for candidates that meet your talent needs 💡 Opportunities to inform our free customized training to ensure candidates are equipped to succeed 💡 Access to a full suite of equity, diversity and inclusion supports to help your organization attract and retain diverse talent 💡 Access to ongoing support once candidates are placed to ensure their success and yours ... and much more! Learn more about the benefits for employers and contact us by clicking below: https://lnkd.in/gTE8n7dM

The Good Jobs Challenge is a strategic initiative that brings American workers and employers together through workforce training systems. The challenge has the potential to increase Black employment; read more to see the strategies we recommend. https://lnkd.in/emUwJ5dJ

On July 10, 1936, the UAW formally joined the CIO (Congress of Industrial Organizations). The CIO's emphasis on organizing by industry, not by craft, stressed the common interests of workers across job classifications. The strength of this model was that it required overcoming racial divides within the workplace. The CIO ran anti-racist training to facilitate Black and white workers organizing together to fight employers. At its core was the idea that Black and white workers have a common enemy in capitalists and dividing workers by race intends to weaken working-class power. According to historian and civil rights activist W.E.B. Du Bois, the CIO was one of the most successful anti-racist efforts in U.S. history. He wrote that because of the CIO, workers “in the steel and automotive industries have been thrown together, Black and white, as fellow workers striving for the same objects. There has been on this account an astonishing spread of interracial tolerance and understanding.” #StandUpUAW