Publications and Resources

Explore the Workforce Strategies Initiative’s publications and other resources including webinars, tools, and recordings of public events highlighting issues that affect workers’ ability to thrive in the US economy. Browse resources by subject or industry focus.

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All Publications from the Workforce Strategies Initiative

Fact Sheet on the Federal Minimum Wage
Publications

Fact Sheet on the Federal Minimum Wage

Learn more about the federal minimum wage with this fact sheet, produced in early 2013.

Workforce Development, Inc. (Southeastern Minnesota)
Publications

Workforce Development, Inc. (Southeastern Minnesota)

This document is a profile of a sector initiative and provides detailed description of the initiative that may include information about program design, funding, worker outcomes, partners and much more.

Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago – Health Care Sector Strategies (Northeast Economic Development Region of Illinois)
Publications

Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago – Health Care Sector Strategies (Northeast Economic Development Region of Illinois)

This document is a profile of a sector initiative and provides detailed description of the initiative that may include information about program design, funding, worker outcomes, partners and much more.

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (Rio Grande Valley, Tex.)
Publications

Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (Rio Grande Valley, Tex.)

This document is a profile of a sector initiative and provides detailed description of the initiative that may include information about program design, funding, worker outcomes, partners and much more.

The Retail Trade Workforce in the United States
Publications

The Retail Trade Workforce in the United States

This resource provides an overview of retail work in the United States including information about the demographics of workers in the industry, the size of the workforce, wages and benefits, and working conditions.

The Restaurant Workforce in the United States
Publications

The Restaurant Workforce in the United States

This resource provides an overview of the restaurant workforce in the United States including information about the demographics of workers in the industry, the size of the workforce, wages and benefits, and working conditions.

Shoreline Community College – Auto Sales and Service Training Pathways Program (Shoreline, Wash.)
Publications

Shoreline Community College – Auto Sales and Service Training Pathways Program (Shoreline, Wash.)

This document is a profile of a sector initiative and provides detailed description of the initiative that may include information about program design, funding, worker outcomes, partners and much more.

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Publications

Profiles of the Retail Workforce and the Retail Action Project

This report illustrates the state of low-wage work in the retail industry and provides a profile of the Retail Action Project, an organization striving to improve job quality in retail.

Overview of Workers in Residential Construction
Publications

Overview of Workers in Residential Construction

This resource provides an overview of residential construction work in the United States including information about the demographics of workers in the industry, the size of the workforce, wages and benefits, and working conditions.

Our Direct-Care Workers: An Overview of the Caregivers in our Workforce
Publications

Our Direct-Care Workers: An Overview of the Caregivers in our Workforce

This resource provides an overview of the direct-care workforce in the United States including information about the demographics of workers in the industry, the size of the workforce, wages and benefits, and working conditions.

NOVA-NVFS Training Futures “Steps to Success” Model (Fairfax County, Va.)
Publications

NOVA-NVFS Training Futures “Steps to Success” Model (Fairfax County, Va.)

This document is a profile of a sector initiative and provides detailed description of the initiative that may include information about program design, funding, worker outcomes, partners and much more.

About the Workforce Strategies Initiative

The Workforce Strategies Initiative, part of the Economic Opportunities Program, uses research and evaluation to explore strategies that help workers attain stability and mobility, including through training, education, and broader systems change.

About the Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy.

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More from the Workforce Strategies Initiative

Cover Page for the publication "Race and Gender Wealth Equity and the Role of Employee Share Ownership"
Publications

Race and Gender Wealth Equity and the Role of Employee Share Ownership

Employee ownership can promote equity, improve job quality, and boost business performance.

Cover page for the report "Unpacking the Work of Work-Based Learning"
Publications

Unpacking the Work of Work-Based Learning

Enhancing Conversations Between Employers and Workforce Professionals
Blog Posts

Enhancing Conversations Between Employers and Workforce Professionals

Many young people need job and training opportunities. How do workforce professionals talk about these issues with employers?

Voices from the Field: Engaging Employers to Connect Young Adults to Good Fit Employment
Publications

Voices from the Field: Engaging Employers to Connect Young Adults to Good Fit Employment

Young workers are facing dire employment prospects. But asking employers the right questions can help identify opportunities.

Cover page: "The Benefits of Bridging Divides: How YouthBuild Philly Shares its Supportive Practices to Build Business Value and Better Jobs"
Publications

The Benefits of Bridging Divides: How YouthBuild Philly Shares its Supportive Practices to Build Business Value and Better Jobs

YouthBuild Philly shows how businesses can develop supportive practices to help young people succeed at work.

Cover Page: "Genesis at Work: Evaluating the Effects of Manufacturing Extension on Business Success and Job Quality"
Publications

Genesis at Work: Evaluating the Effects of Manufacturing Extension on Business Success and Job Quality

Workforce practices are central to a firm’s success. What happens when companies focus on people and process equally?

A Toolkit to Engage Employers and Opportunity Youth on the Future of Work
Publications

A Toolkit to Engage Employers and Opportunity Youth on the Future of Work

How can we ensure Opportunity Youth are positioned to succeed in the future of work?

Cost of Turnover Tool: Make the business case to improve retention through upskilling and stability
Publications

Cost of Turnover Tool

Estimate how much your business spends each year replacing staff in one occupation.