Expanding Access to Quality Jobs and Pathways to Economic Mobility | Workforce Development
Communities are working to expand access to quality jobs, career pathways, and supportive services that promote economic security for workers and meet employer talent needs.
AIR partners with state and local workforce agencies, education systems, employers, and community organizations to address barriers to employment and expand access to high quality jobs and career advancement. By centering people in system design, AIR strengthens sector based and employer led strategies, aligns workforce and economic development efforts, and supports inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
Our Projects
Improving Employment Outcomes for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: My ROAD
The My ROAD project works with people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, supported employment providers, and employers across the country to strengthen workplace practices and create practical tools to put “dignity of risk” into action.
Utilizing the Youth Reentry Simulation to Drive Policy and Practice Change
Returning to the community after incarceration is hard. AIR created the Youth Reentry Simulation, an interactive, hands-on experience designed to reflect the real challenges and key moments young people face as they transition from juvenile justice settings back into their communities.
Driving Economic Mobility with Infrastructure Jobs: Insights from the Built Environment Collaborative in Ohio
With support from AIR's Opportunity Fund, AIR forged an Innovation Learning Partnership with Greater Cleveland Works to accelerate the learning of the Built Environment Collaborative model and amplify its early impact. AIR developed a case study that captures insights from BEC partners and lessons learned after approximately two years of implementation.
Support for Illinois PROWD
AIR supports Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in delivering the PROWD grant, which helps people leaving federal prison connect to jobs and workforce services. AIR provides technical assistance and works with state and workforce partners to strengthen reentry support.
