Groundbreaking Report Highlights New Approach to Putting Low-skilled, Low-wage People on Track to Employability

NEW YORK, Oct. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- A new study released today by Workforce Strategy Center (WSC), a New York City-based think tank, highlights examples of a new approach to improving employment prospects for the nation's growing ranks of low-skilled and low-wage workers. "What Works: BridgeConnect Stories From the Field" focuses on highly successful "bridge" programs that have helped low-income adults attain postsecondary credentials leading to further education or careers. Julian L. Alssid, WSC's executive director, presented the report during the National Council for Workforce Education conference in St. Louis.

"We think what's most interesting about this report is that it features numerous video clips of practitioners and participants, who share first-hand the positive impacts of these programs," said Alssid. "Viewers can see powerful examples of how these programs move people from hopelessness to stable employment," he added. WSC has also scheduled an interactive webinar for practitioners on November 15 and will offer a webinar for policymakers and others interested in learning more about how these approaches could address one of America's most pressing issues.

Economists and labor experts widely acknowledge that today's economy demands that more Americans possess postsecondary credentials. In fact, Anthony P. Carnevale of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce predicts that by 2018, two-thirds of the jobs in the American economy will require postsecondary credentialing. Yet, according to the National Commission on Adult Literacy, 80 to 90 million adult workers are not prepared for 21st-century jobs — they possess low basic skills and lack a high school degree or its equivalent.

According to "What Works," bridge programs have emerged as an effective strategy for preparing low-wealth, low-skilled individuals for jobs that require more education. By providing the necessary academic, employability and technical skills, these programs help participants enter and succeed in postsecondary education and training and, ultimately, the labor market. The report looks at effective bridge programs in North Carolina, Chicago and New York.

"At a time when joblessness, underemployment and lack of 21st-century employment skills are threatening America's current and future economy, the types of solutions proposed in the report could offer much needed hope for struggling communities throughout the country," said Paula Sammons, a program manager at the W. K. Kellogg Foundation, whose funding helps WSC address this national issue.

The authors hope policymakers will take note of the best practices WSC outlines and support the bridge approach as a public policy solution to the growing public concern about America's unemployment crisis.

Workforce Strategy Center (WSC) is a consulting think tank that works with leaders who seek to make education and workforce development work for the economy. To learn more about WSC, please visit our website at www.workforcestrategy.org. For more information on the report contact Julian L. Alssid at [email protected] or 917-209-9398.

SOURCE Workforce Strategy Center