Rural Works
Rural Works is a new workforce development initiative of Rural LISC. Rural Works was formed to leverage the momentum of rural communities to reimagine and redevelop the workforce systems that impact their communities. It is the culmination of Rural LISC's 24 years of experience leveraging philanthropic and federal programs that seek to increase the capacity and the scale of community development organizations to respond to the needs of rural workforce ecosystems.
Rural Works is comprised of ten rural development agencies seeking to scale localized solutions that:
- Ensure stronger connections between training providers and industry;
- Strengthen the pathways that lead to industry recognized credentials and livable wage employment for rural workers;
- Highlight the innovation of rural markets to problem solve and foster a 21st century economy.
These ten development agencies represent the best that rural America has to offer. They serve a diverse field of industry sectors in the Delta, Appalachia, Southwest, the Great Plains and Puerto Rico.
Rural Works Case Studies and Reports
Upskill NWA provided comprehensive and individualized support to all its participants. The Career Navigators spend significant time with each of their paired participants and assist with obstacles that may keep them from completing their program. This includes childcare needs, family responsibilities, transportation challenges, program requirements like uniforms and textbooks, work obligations, and financial issues. Whether Upskill NWA provides direct resources or directs them to a partner organization, the problem is addressed as quickly as possible, so participants have uninterrupted education. With over 1,000 open positions for healthcare positions in Northwest Arkansas, Upskill NWA can work closely with their participants to find the best fit for them
Delta Compass provides individualized employment support to every person who walks through its doors. According to Hillary Boggs, Delta Compass Controller, “If you want work, you have someone to help facilitate the entire process.” Delta Compass anchors a workforce collaborative that addresses current and future labor needs in Washington County, MS. The collaborative incorporates the Workforce Investment Network (WIN) and the community college system, featuring the Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) Capps Technology Center, to create and advance a workforce that is responsive to area sector demand, including healthcare, education, and manufacturing.
People Incorporated of Virginia provides a wide range of services that help the whole person, whether it is tailoring job trainings, providing necessary rental assistance, recommending childcare services, or brainstorming transportation alternatives. Due to their long history of working in the region, the People Inc. staff can connect clients to the necessary services.
Full stats and impact from across Rural Works' partner agencies
Rural Works Sites
Chicanos Por La Causa, Inc. (CPLC) – Working in the rural southwest states of Arizona, New Mexico and Nevada, CPLC connects education with employment by collaborating with employers to determine their needs and bringing together job seekers to fill positions.
Future Focused Education — Serving the Albuquerque area,Future Focused Education works to eliminate the tradeoff between jobs that meet short-term family obligations and long-term career preparation. They seek to transform education and schools so they are responsive to the realities faced by many students, are able to connect students to college and career.
Great Lakes Community Action Partnership – Working in the Great Lakes region of Ohio, Great Lakes CAP offers job placement options for youth and young adults, skills training for in-demand careers and other related services to help people of all ages with employment needs.
Highland Community Builders, Inc. – Operating in Elkins, West Virginia, Highland Community Builders supports one of the most robust YouthBuild programs in Appalachia, working to strengthen educational backgrounds; teach marketable skills and workforce readiness; and instill leadership values that relate to home, work and community.
North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) – Serving more than 12 counties in Missouri, NECAC operates the SkillUp program, which works with SNAP recipients ages 16-59 to get free help with skills, training and employer connections.
NOVA Workforce Institute of Northeast Louisiana – Serving the rural Louisiana Delta, NOVA works with communities of color to increase their employment opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare and customer service.
Ozark Action, Inc. – A nonprofit community action agency, Ozark Action serves six counties in south central Missouri, helping both job seekers and employers to match opportunities in education and employment within one of the nation’s hardest hit areas in the opioid crisis.
PathStone Corporation – Working across a varied geography including Puerto Rico, PathStone is a private nonprofit that provides customized, people-centered professional development services leading to portable skills and enhanced employability for diverse individuals.
People, Inc. – Operating in Virginia’s coal country, People, Inc. connects individuals to employment, new skills training and higher education through innovative initiatives that serve workers, job seekers and employers.
Washington County Economic Alliance – Serving the rural Mississippi Delta, Washington County Economic Alliance works with the business community and workforce investment boards to design industry pathways that lead to livable wage jobs for one of the nation’s poorest regions.
For questions and further information:
Julianne Dunn
Program Officer, Workforce Development
Kansas City, MO
858-201-8846
jdunn@lisc.org