National Skills Coalition

07/27/2026

Workforce Pell implementation is about more than compliance—it's about building systems that deliver results.

As states implement Workforce Pell, they'll need strong data systems to determine which programs lead to quality jobs, identify barriers to student success, and ensure public investments are delivering value.

Our new fact sheet explores how states can use Workforce Pell implementation to build more transparent, connected data systems that benefit students, employers, and policymakers.

📄 Read the fact sheet: https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/state-policies-that-deliver-on-workforce-pells-promise-strong-data-makes-workforce-pell-work/

07/22/2026

A stronger workforce doesn't happen by accident.

It starts with employers identifying hiring needs, community colleges building responsive training programs, and learners gaining the skills businesses are looking for.

That's the opportunity Workforce Pell creates.

See how businesses can help strengthen the talent pipeline in our new brief.

📄 https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/from-workforce-shortages-to-training-solutions-how-workforce-pell-can-align-skills-with-industry-demand/

06/30/2026

As part of our A New Promise of Work listening tour, NSC CEO Brooke DeRenzis visited Revolution Workshop in Chicago to hear from Executive Director Manny Rodriguez about building stronger workforce systems rooted in community.

Their conversation highlights why lasting workforce solutions require more than skills training. They require partnerships, supportive services, and—most importantly—listening to the people closest to the work.

As Manny says, "The solutions are going to come from the ground."

Watch the conversation and learn how community voices are helping shape a new vision for work.

🎥: https://youtu.be/LUyeqeud5QA

06/22/2026

**New Fact Sheet**

Expanding Workforce Pell is a major step toward increasing access to high-quality short-term training. But tuition assistance alone won't help learners cross the finish line.

Supportive services—like transportation, childcare, housing, and food assistance—help students stay enrolled, earn credentials, and connect to quality jobs.

It's also what voters want: 82% of voters support increased funding for supportive services that help learners succeed.

Learn how states and workforce partners can turn access into opportunity in our new fact sheet:
https://nationalskillscoalition.org/resource/publications/supportive-services-turn-access-into-opportunity/

06/09/2026

Workforce policy is about more than jobs—it's about creating the conditions that allow people to participate in training, advance their skills, and thrive in the labor market.

New Medicaid work requirements risk creating barriers for workers who are already employed, in school, caregiving, or pursuing training opportunities. Evidence from prior state implementation suggests that paperwork and reporting burdens—not unwillingness to work—can result in people losing coverage.

As states prepare for implementation, policymakers should focus on connecting people to meaningful education and workforce opportunities while protecting access to the health care that supports economic mobility.

Read NSC's recommendations:

Health care is a fundamental basic need that helps people stay healthy enough to work, participate in training, and advance in their careers. But for the first time ever, Congress has mandated states to implement Medicaid work reporting requirements nationwide through the 2025 passage of H.R. 1, [.....

06/05/2026

📅 **Save the Date: March 3–5, 2027**

Join National Skills Coalition for **Skills Summit 2027**, where workforce advocates, business leaders, policymakers, educators, and practitioners from across the country will come together to help launch **A New Promise of Work**.

As we explore what it takes for work to truly deliver economic security, opportunity, and mobility, Skills Summit 2027 will be a chance to shape the policies and solutions needed to build a workforce system that works for everyone.

Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details: https://www.nationalskillssummit.com/

06/04/2026

Workforce development and economic competitiveness go hand in hand.

Vocational ESOL programs help English learners gain the industry-specific language and workplace skills needed to thrive in careers ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to hospitality and construction. Evidence shows that improving English proficiency can lead to higher earnings, stronger workforce participation, and greater economic growth.

Massachusetts has already built a strong foundation for English language learning. The next step is ensuring more workers can access career-focused programs that connect language learning directly to economic opportunity.

Read the full blog:

Like many others across the country, lawmakers in Massachusetts are working to as it faces external threats to its workforce, healthcare, and safety net systems. Massachusetts’ position as an economic […]

06/04/2026

The best workforce solutions start by listening.

That's why National Skills Coalition is launching a nationwide series of listening sessions through our New Promise of Work initiative. We're meeting with people across the country to hear firsthand about their experiences navigating work, training, and economic opportunity in today's changing economy.

We're on the road now—and we'll be sharing what we learn from workers, learners, employers, and community leaders throughout the journey.

Learn more about the effort and follow along for updates:

At this year’s Skills Summit, National Skills Coalition officially launched the first phase of A New Promise of Work – a multi-year initiative uniting workers, students, businesses, and policymakers to advance a bold workforce vision – one where […]

06/03/2026

What do the new Workforce Pell regulations mean for workforce systems, training providers, colleges, and learners?

Join National Skills Coalition's June Network Call for an expert breakdown of the final regulations and the latest federal policy updates.

📅 Register today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TRFvJC5pRjqnC5A-xGe3Xw

06/03/2026

As AI continues to transform workplaces across the country, we don't have to start from scratch in thinking about how workers can adapt.

The manufacturing industry has spent decades navigating technological change, from automation to advanced production systems. Along the way, it has demonstrated an important lesson: successful innovation depends on investing in workers' skills, not just new technologies. Manufacturing employers increasingly need workers with strong digital and problem-solving skills to keep pace with changing technologies.

In our latest blog from Amanda Bergson-Shilcock, we explore what the manufacturing sector can teach us about preparing workers for the age of AI—and why workforce policy must keep people at the center of technological change.

Read the blog:

State and federal policymakers are eager to understand how automation and artificial intelligence (AI) will affect the US labor market in the years to come. But predictions are tricky, and […]