A national nonprofit organization, Jobs for the Future (JFF), utilizes research, data analysis, and evidence-based practices as core components of its work, functioning as a research-driven
entity focused on transforming education and workforce systems for equitable economic advancement; conducting extensive studies; and using insights to develop innovative solutions, influence policy, and guide programs for better workforce outcomes.
As workforce systems face growing pressure to do more with limited resources while responding to rapid labor market shifts, the need for innovative financing approaches has become both timely and necessary.
JFF’s Financing the Future initiative reimagines the way education and skills development are financed and has posted an insightful and thought-provoking article that begins, “At, JFF, we believe adoption of innovative financing can lead to more people receiving education and training while also driving improvements in the quality and equity of the postsecondary education and training system.
“These models can induce more people to pursue education and training in three ways: first, by expanding access to financing options to individuals who face financing gaps or want to pursue short-term career and technical programs; second, by offering lower-risk financing in which payments are only required when graduates get well-paid jobs; and third, by leveraging contributions from employers, philanthropies, investors, government programs, and schools…” Read Entire Article Here…
These emerging financing models closely reflect the realities KRA has navigated for more than two decades, supporting local, state, regional, and county Workforce Development Boards nationally with innovative, exceptional, and trusted Career and Business Services for un- and under-employed Adult, Dislocated, Youth, and Special-needs individuals under the Job Training Partnership Act, the Workforce Investment Act, and currently the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
The most critical developmental tool, common to these legislative actions, is workforce- training and development services through private-, public-, and cross-funded programs and resources that equip jobseekers with the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to competing successfully in both domestic and international marketplaces.
Currently, our most impactful programs include basic-education advancement, such as return-to-school or GED completion, On-the-Job Training opportunities with our employer-partners, Occupational/Vocational Skills Development through approved Training Provider organizations, and Post-Secondary Education pursuits with local Community Colleges are many times financed through WIOA Individual Training Accounts that may pay for tuition, fees, books, and supportive services such as childcare and transportation.
In closing, KRA shares JFF’s belief that innovative financing can strengthen education and workforce systems when it is grounded in real-world practice. We are ready to work alongside our clients and partners to design and pilot financing approaches that expand access to training, improve outcomes, and ensure investments truly benefit jobseekers, employers, and the communities we serve.