The National Skills Coalition was founded in 2000 with the original mission of (1) addressing declining public-sector investments in workforce skills and growing skill gaps in key U.S. industries and (2) advancing state and federal policies for better, more equitable, and inclusive skills training.
Last month, the 2026 NSC Summit convened 250 workforce-policy leaders in Washington, D.C., to learn, connect, and advocate in 100 meetings with lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of protecting essential workforce investments while shaping a more equitable future.
KRA sees the central takeaway from the Summit reflected in CEO Brooke DeRenzis’ Opening Remarks, during which she “highlighted challenges facing communities, urging attendees to reject the notion that workforce-development programs are “second chance” options, and instead to champion them as first-choice investments that promote dignity, equity, and opportunity.
“Workforce development should be a first-choice investment that unlocks potential, centers dignity and equity, and helps workers and local businesses adapt to and benefit from technological and economic change.” Read the entire Summit Summary here
KRA aligns with Ms. DeRenzis’ perspective that our workforce system should not be characterized as a “second chance” for jobseekers who have “fallen short” in school or work and that this narrative “diminishes working-class careers, overlooks talent, and ignores structural barriers hold people back.”
From day 1 of KRA workforce-services operations, we have viewed our mission as one of a “support”, not a “replacement” system. Our Career Coaches and Business Services Representatives meet our customers where they are—not where they could’ve been or should’ve been.
From the 16-year-old boy, disconnected/disengaged from both school and work to the 60-year-old woman, dislocated from the workforce due to downsizing, our focus is simple yet powerful: “this is where you are presently; where do you want to go in the future? From there, we partner to create an Individual Career Plan, including a job-skills development component, to unlock potential and create lasting economic mobility.