While youth engagement in workforce development remains essential, it is equally important to demonstrate how our public workforce system has a real impact.
For the DOL Title I and Title III reporting period ending June 30, 2024*:
- 2,261,435 individuals completed workforce programs.
- 68.6% secured employment after program completion.
- The average annual earnings for employed participants reached $42,552.
- The total estimated annual earnings for all employed participants amounted to $66,053,737,136.
These outcomes demonstrate the power of workforce programs, but numbers alone are not enough; we must share the stories behind them. "Every success story reflects the vital role of Title I and Title III in shaping stronger communities and workforces. If we don’t share these stories, the true value of this work—and the ongoing need for it—may go unnoticed.
The MUS Connector is intended to be more than a newsletter; we want this to be a collective platform where workforce professionals, stakeholders, and leaders unite to amplify our voices, highlight our impact, and advocate for the vital contributions we make.
Recently, conversations across our industry have revealed a clear and pressing reality: We must do more to ensure that policymakers understand the scope and significance of our work. Just like there is strength in numbers, there is strength in our shared experiences, and now is the time to raise our voices. Policies are shifting, and new challenges may impact essential programs and resources. As the landscape evolves, our ability to showcase our contributions becomes increasingly important.
The MUS Connector is an opportunity to share success stories, put a spotlight on effective programs in your region, promote upcoming events and webinars, celebrate victories, and address challenges together. Your contributions, whether through articles, interviews, or program highlights, will help demonstrate how WIOA programs transform communities and make a difference in the lives of those served.
*Source: FutureWorks Systems BI, U.S. Department of Labor, National Public PIRL Report, Program Year 2023 Q4
WIOA cannot remain the best-kept secret! It’s time to shout from the rooftops that this funding serves our nation’s most vulnerable people. WIOA Title I and Title III programs help individuals overcome major barriers such as limited education, transportation challenges, housing instability, and lack of childcare by providing pathways to sustainable employment and contributing to a stronger workforce.
Collaboration is at the heart of our success. By uniting our efforts through the MUS Connector, we can illustrate how workforce programs empower individuals, strengthen businesses, and build more resilient economies. Together, with a collective voice, we can ensure our message reaches policy makers, decision makers and the public so our work is seen, heard, and recognized.
Now is the time to participate and advocate on behalf of everyone in this industry. We will continue to encourage you to share your success stories, highlight your expertise and your organization’s impact and contributions. Help MUS highlight the value of workforce development.
