Our Work

Workforce Readiness

America faces a profound challenge to its economic vitality and future. Too many young people today—the workforce of tomorrow—are not prepared to succeed in a knowledge-based economy. At a time when the frontline of the vast baby boom generation is approaching retirement, businesses will require an exceptional pool of new workers to continue the American traditions of innovation and productivity.

We have significantly expanded our workforce readiness body of work over the past several years. In recognition of our leadership in this space, we have secured new investments from three funders: the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation and Philip Morris USA, an Altria Company.

These new investments expand our workforce readiness work with three major new initiatives:

These initiatives are distinct but mutually reinforcing. They provide a tremendous range of opportunities for our partner companies to showcase innovative business practices, learn from other business leaders, participate in research design and educate policy makers.

For a one page overview of Corporate Voices' work on workforce readiness, please click on the PDF link below.

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workforce_readiness_11-09.pdf102.29 KB

Related News and Events

Related Publications

Workforce Readiness

  • 03/03/2010
    As the United States economy continues to struggle with high unemployment and the effects of the severe recession, American workers and employers agree that new workers are not prepared to enter the workforce. And addressing these workforce readiness gaps will be critical to our nation’s long-term economic recovery. Moreover, both groups believe that the education sector [...]
  • 02/22/2010
    With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Corporate Voices for Working Families is undertaking a new workforce readiness initiative to help low-income young adults secure a postsecondary credential that has value in the labor market. The Gates Foundation distributed a news release today that provides considerable perspective on the scope and importance of [...]
  • 02/12/2010
    As part of the Obama administration’s focus on preparing workers for 21st century jobs, the president included in his fiscal year 2011 budget request $261 million to establish two innovation funds that will enhance workforce readiness training for young people preparing to enter the workplace. “As the United States economy continues to struggle with high unemployment [...]
  • 01/29/2010
    Corporate Voices for Working Families acknowledges the multiple crises that businesses across America are facing today, including an ill-prepared workforce.  As a result, we are working to broaden our organizational platform to help the business community overcome some of these challenges, specifically focusing on workforce readiness. We have been engaged in the Ready by 21 Challenge [...]
  • 01/22/2010
    In a marked shift from the previous administration, President Obama is championing the new “Race to the Top” education initiative aimed at improving the educational quality and performance of America’s schools. The program will offer states $4.3 billion in education funding, however the grants will be contingent on states meeting certain conditions. According to a recent [...]