Posts by Marcie Dingle

The Evolution of the KRA Newsletter

There was a pronounced shift from print to digital media in the first 20 years of this century, and as we reflect on our first newsletter, KRA Today—which debuted in 1995—we bear witness to the profound impact this movement has had over the past 29 years. KRA Today served as a tangible touchpoint with our clients, community partners, employees, and industry collaborators, embodying reliability and trust. Through the newsletter, we highlighted our R&E expertise, e.g., KRA Evaluates New Hampshire School-to-Work Program, as well as our expanding workforce-services operations, e.g., KRA Wins Another Kentucky Youth-Services Contract. Though we continued to print
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KRA and The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership Sponsor Winter Hiring Event

KRA created this eye-catching flyer to attract jobseekers to a free, open-to-the-public career fair co-sponsored by KRA and its client-partner, the Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership, January 25, 2024, 11am-3pm EST, at the Westside American Job Center in East Garfield Park, 605 South Albany Avenue. Whether in need of immediate employment or long-term career options, jobseekers should not miss this chance to kick-start their professional journey, as the Event presents opportunities to connect with top companies, explore diverse career options, hear from various industry leaders, and meet the decision makers! KRA encourages job-seeking candidates to dress professionally and bring plenty of
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KRA Founder and President & CEO Featured on The Hub Podcast

  In October 2022, we launched The Hub, the official podcast of KRA Corporation, as a platform dedicated to providing valuable insights and knowledge to our listeners.  We believe that sharing diverse workforce-services perspectives and experiences is essential for our audience to learn about industry trends, and to explore various professional journeys. Hosting the podcasts is Doug Foresta, with frequent co-host appearances by Jonathan Overall, KRA Senior Director, Workforce Operations. Episode #24, the first of 2024, features The Origin and Evolution of KRA: A Conversation with the Founder and President & CEO Knowlton Atterbeary, in which he traces the origin of
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KRA and MY Academy to Present at CWA’S Youth Summit 2024

On February 7, 2024, 1:15pm – 2:15pm PST, a KRA team will present The Possibility Project – A “No Walls” Approach to Youth Engagement and Development, reflective of the Summit’s theme, Expanding Horizons. Terrance Bowens, KRA Program Manager, will lead a team that includes Karla Johnson, KRA Young Adult Career Coach, and Bill Dobson, Interim Director, Motivated Youth (MY) Academy,  KRA client-partner for the operation of a California public-charter school offering programs for families and students seeking individualized curriculum, personalized teacher support, and scheduling flexibility.     With KRA since 2010, Bowens—an accomplished workshop facilitator and trainer, including presentations for
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KRA Reno Business/Career HUB on TV Again!

Almost a year ago to the day, on December 23, 2022, KRA reported on the Grand Opening of our Reno-based American Job Center of Nevada (AJCN), operated for Nevadaworks since October 12, 2018, as an EmployNV Business/Career HUB. Then-Governor Stephen Sisolak officiated, sharing his thoughts regarding the critical role of HUB operations in the economic success of the Region.  When he was Clark County Commissioner, Sisolak had served as Master of Ceremony for the AJCN’s original October 12, 2018 opening. At the time, Terrance Bowens, KRA Program Manager, commented, “KRA is excited about the EmployNV re-brand! It has given our
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Fostering an Inclusive Supplier Pool: WDBs and Minority-Owned Businesses

There are 593 local and 53 state and territorial Workforce Development Boards (WDB), each playing a pivotal role in shaping the employment landscape of the communities they serve by fostering sustainable diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) environments, focusing on jobseeker- and employer-customers’ real-life workplace experiences to uncover and address systemic inequities. KRA is fortunate to support its WDB-partners that champion fairness and equal opportunity, trusting our Career- and Business-Services specialists to provide exceptional hiring-support solutions—innovative recruitment, screening, training, and placement opportunities—to assist our minority-owned business customers in sustaining current operations and attaining long-term expansion goals. As a Black-owned enterprise with 42
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New WIOA-Reauthorization Bill Is a Name…and Game…Changer!

On December 7, 2023, House Committee on Education and the Workforce Ranking Member Robert Scott (D-VA) and Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) introduced H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, supported by House Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee leaders Burgess Owens (R-UT), Frederica Wilson (D-FL). By December 11, 2023, both the House and Senate chambers of the 118th Congress had passed the new reauthorization bill, which is now on President Biden’s desk, where we anticipate a favorable reception and response.  As for funding, the Congressional Budget Office, which produces cost estimates for bills and resolutions, had not produced an estimate
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Navigating Challenges and Creating Solutions for Young Adults Formerly in Foster Care

  Adolescents, who have transitioned out of foster care, most commonly at the age of 18, often face a unique set of challenges as they navigate their young-adulthood years. Without the support and stability of a permanent family, they may encounter obstacles that hinder their path to success. However, there are solutions that can help these youth overcome these challenges and thrive in their early- and later-adult lives. One of the main obstacles for young adults formerly in foster care is the lack of a support system. Without a stable network of family and mentors, they may struggle with finding
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KRA Brings Innovative Solutions to the State of Louisiana

KRA is pleased to announce its partnership with the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) to lead participants of the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) toward sustainable employment. KRA’s Work Activities and Career Pathways Program supports jobseekers in meeting FITAP-participation requirements, accelerating their progress in acquiring the skills business partners require for successful job placement.  Initially, we will operate the program in the State’s northern region in the parishes surrounding Shreveport, Monroe, and Alexandria. By offering tailored workforce services that leverage local resources and evidence-based practices, KRA aims to support the DCFS in achieving positive outcomes for
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Honoring America’s Veterans and Families

In 1996, the Armed Services YMCA organization designated November as National Veterans and Military Families Month, with the U.S. Government commemorating the occasion every year since. This November, the Defense Department launched a new National Veterans and Military Families Month landing page, Military OneSource, celebrating the sacrifices and contributions of service members, veterans, and military families. Falling within this month-long time-span is Veterans Day—first called Armistice Day in 1926—recognized officially on November 11, due to the eerie timing of the end of the end of WW I in 1918, i.e. November 11 at 11 am—the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. KRA is grateful to
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