dc workforce leaders academy -...

GREATER SEATTLE SECTOR SKILLS ACADEMY APPLICATIONBACKGROUND INFORMATION AND ACADEMY OVERVIEW

The Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy is an eight month fellowship to help grow and support sectoral workforce development strategies in the Central Puget Sound region. The Academy is funded by the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and sponsored by SkillUp Washington, a regional workforce and education funders collaborative at the Seattle Foundation. The model, originally designed by the Aspen Institute, creates a venue for different constituencies (community-based organizations, community colleges, workforce investment boards, government agencies, labor-management groups, etc.) to learn about and pool their talents and resources to influence local sectoral workforce strategies. The Academy was initiated by the Aspen Institute Workforce Strategies Initiative (WSI) in 2005, and has since graduated eight national classes and nearly 225 Marano Fellows, named in honor of Cindy Marano, a trailblazer in the sectoral field and a key leader behind the design of the Academy. The Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy, which was launched in 2012, will be facilitated by the Aspen Institute in partnership with Marano Fellows from SkillUp Washington and the Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, both of whom participated in the last Academy.

The Sector Skills Academy offers an experiential learning approach to building the skills and expertise of leaders involved in sector strategies. Participants will work with peers from a variety of organizations from across the region and hear from national experts in the field, engaging in facilitated discussions and exploring new strategic approaches in issue areas such as employer engagement, system change, strategic communications, strengthening influence networks, and other topics. Through a collaborative learning process, the Academy will not only build the skills of attendees and strengthen the work of their organizations, but also provide a forum for emerging workforce leaders to build new relationships and gain a fuller appreciation of the scope of the workforce system in the region. The Academy will provide opportunities for catalyzing and strengthening cross-system partnerships, further improving outcomes for low-income workers. Ultimately, the mission of the Sector Skills Academy is to improve the quantity, quality, and sustainability of sector efforts on the ground, such that greater progress can be made towards improving economic opportunities for lower-income individuals, while supporting overall economic competitiveness.

Between 20 and 25 individuals will be selected to participate in an eight-month fellowship with peers from across the Central Puget Sound region, consisting of two three-day retreats and two two-day retreats at the Suquamish Clearwater Resort near Agate Pass. Working sessions will involve national and local experts and workforce development leaders, and exercises and materials will be organized to support key learning elements. Participants will receive training and support from a local and national network of Sector Academy alumni.

Fellowship recipients have opportunities to showcase their skills and creativity while working on high profile capstone projects identified by prominent workforce leaders and funders. Their investment of time and energy is supported by mentoring, technical assistance and exposure to evidence based research and tools. The capstone projects and presentations emerging from this work are presented to a large audience of peers, funders, and policymakers drawing attention to the power of collaboration. Participants in the Sector Skills Academy should commit to participate fully and actively in all Academy events, both to enhance their individual experience and to contribute to the peer learning elements for the group as a whole.

This commitment includes:

A 3-day kick-off retreat held on February 29 – March 2, 2016; Subsequent retreats held on May 9-10, September 19-20, and October 24-26, 2016 (all retreats will be

held at the Kiana Lodge & lodging at Suquamish Clearwater Resort); followed by Capstone presentations on November 18, 2016.

Please note that the commitment also includes the participation of participants’ direct supervisors in portions of the February and November retreats (February 29th and November 18th, 2016). Additional activities in between retreats may include webinars, peer group calls, and participation discussions. Development of a capstone project will also include additional small group work in between retreats.

What can you gain from the Sector Skills Academy?

The Sector Skills Academy creates a learning community of leaders using a sectoral approach. The program provides an opportunity for a diverse network of leaders to gain in-depth knowledge in regional issues, to build lifelong connections, to transform and inspire the renewal of their passion for the work. The emerging leaders are expected to apply the lessons they learn in ways that enhance their work, cultivate individuals into exceptional leaders that lead with respect and accountability and strengthens the organizational capacity of their institutions to achieve lasting sectoral change. The Academy also offers structured mentoring, technical assistance and peer support, and culminates in a capstone project which presents solutions to workforce development system challenges identified by local workforce development leaders and funders.

Who should apply? What Criteria are used to evaluate applications?

The Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy is designed for emerging leaders from community-based organizations, colleges, schools, workforce investment boards, government entities, tribal leaders, housing authorities, employer associations, or others currently involved in or considering implementing sector strategies within that individual’s organization or as part of a partnership. The Academy will largely be concerned with setting the direction for a sector strategy, building the necessary relationships both inside and outside the organization that are needed to carry out that strategy, understanding the outcomes that are being achieved, and generally managing a sector initiative; applicants who are directly engaged in and responsible for carrying out this type of work are best positioned to benefit from the Academy.

Sector strategies are typically characterized by four basic elements:

They target a specific industry and often an occupation or set of occupations within that industry; They involve organizations acting as a strategic partner with deep knowledge of the targeted industry

and its companies; They provide or coordinate training, supportive services and other types of assistance to improve career

opportunities for low-wage, low-income or unemployed workers in that industry; and They promote systemic change within an industry by working collaboratively with other parties to

achieve changes in employment practices that benefit employers, low-wage workers and low-income job seekers.

We recognize that some applicants may currently operate industry-focused programs—e.g., training programs or advocacy initiatives—that will be developed into sector strategies and others may already lead sector

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initiatives. For example, an organization might operate an occupational skills training program that trains and places individuals in jobs in construction, but may not have engaged partners for services or identified systemic change opportunities in the sector. For the purpose of this application, the term “sector initiative” will refer to both existing sector programs and other industry-targeted programs that may not yet be considered sector strategies as we have defined them. All applicants engaged in or planning workforce development efforts that target specific industries are invited to apply.

We also recognize that some applicants may already be operating or considering sector initiative through a partnership with another organization or group of organizations; for that reason, joint applications including no more than 3 individuals will be considered. Multiple individuals from one organization may also submit applications, but not all may be selected to participate.

The application below is designed to learn more about you as a leader, your interest in the Academy, and your sector work. In reviewing applications, the selection committee will look for a demonstration of core leadership competencies, individual and organizational dedication to implementing sector strategies, an ability to design and implement a sectoral employment initiative, evidence of strong partnership skills, an ability to identify collaborative opportunities across institutions, and a commitment to social and economic justice. Inclusiveness and diversity of race, ethnicity and gender are core values of the Academy. Diverse, qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Application InstructionsWhile organizations and practitioners may participate in several distinct sector initiatives, for purposes of this application, as illustration, we ask you to focus your answers around one primary sector on which you expect to focus as part of the Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy.

A complete online application must be received no later than Friday, January 29, 2016 at 11:00pm. Please ensure all documents are electronically signed before submission.

The materials for submission include:A completed online application formYour resume Organizational chartA Letter of Recommendation from your department head or executive directorA reference from a professional partner external to your organizationSigned “Commitment to Participate” Form

Signed “Authorization to Implement” Form

This document and other supporting materials may either be completed on SkillUp Washington’s website or by downloading a Word-version of the application, also available on the website. The following tips should assist you in completing the application:

If you have any questions about the Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy, your eligibility to apply, or the application process, please e-mail your questions to [email protected]. Responses to questions

will be posted at http://www.skillupwa.org by January 4th.

If you have technical difficulties with the application process, please contact [email protected] or 206.388.1670.

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mailto:[email protected]

http://www.skillupwa.org/

mailto:[email protected]

APPLICATION

I. APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name of Applicant

Job Title

Name of Organization

Phone Fax Email

Address City State Zip

II. ORGANIZATIONAL INFORMATIONA. What type of organization do you work for? (check all that apply)

Community or faith-based organization Business/Trade Association/Chamber of Commerce Community College K-12 School or School District Labor-management partnership Workforce Development Council or Workforce Investment Board Housing Authority Governmental agency (please describe) Other (please describe)

B. How many staff does your organization (or division of a very large organization) employ? ____________________________. Do you supervise any staff? If so, how many? ____________________________

C. What is the approximate annual operating budget of your organization (or division of a very large organization if appropriate - for example, a division of a community college that deals with workforce development)? $____________________________

D. Please attach your RESUME and an ORGANIZATIONAL CHART of your organization or division. The chart should show your supervisors and as well as staff reporting to you (if applicable).

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III. LEADERSHIP, MOTIVATION, AND GOALSEffective sector leaders exercise a variety of leadership practices in order to lead people, programs, partnerships and change, and they engage in self-reflection for their continual growth and development as leaders. Please answer the following questions, and feel free to illustrate with examples from your current work:

How would you describe yourself as a leader? Why? In what ways do you need to further develop as a leader? Why? 500 words or less

B. Please briefly state what motivates you to work in the workforce development field. 50 words or less

C. What three personal and/or professional objectives do you have for participating in the Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy? (bullet form is acceptable)

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

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IV. SECTOR INITIATIVE While organizations and practitioners may work with several different industries or sets of businesses, for purposes of this application we ask you to focus your answers on the one primary industry you expect to focus on as part of your Academy experience, if accepted, and answer the questions accordingly. There is an opportunity to provide information about other industries you have an interest or experience in at the end of this section. A. Name of Initiative:

B. Partner Agencies (if applicable):

C. Target industry:Target industry

D. Target occupation(s) (for each occupation, also list typical wage & benefits within 3 months of placement)

Occupation Wage Benefits1. Yes No2. Yes No3. Yes No4. Yes No5. Yes No

E. What are the characteristics of the target population you seek to place or serve in this industry sector initiative? (check all that apply)

Working Unemployed Displaced workers WIOA eligible Immigrants Underemployed TANF recipients Parents Formerly incarcerated Disabled Young Adults 18-24 Veterans

Homeless Other (specify) Tribal MembersSpecify:___________________

F. Sector initiatives are often comprised of or supported by a range of partners from varying organizational types that perform a variety of functions – from delivering training and supportive services, to influencing public policy makers to removing barriers to successful outcomes. What types of organizations do you partner with as part of your sector initiative? Indicate with a 1, 2, and 3 the top three types of organizations you interact with on a regular basis. Use an X to indicate any other regular partners. Leave the field blank if any particular organizational type is not relevant to your work.

Community-based organizations Faith-based organizations

Human service agencies Tribes

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Workforce Development Councils or Workforce Investment Boards

One-Stop Centers Community colleges Economic development agencies Unions Community development corporations Chambers of Commerce Trade Associations Private Businesses Local Government State Government High Schools Skill Centers Alternative Schools Youth Re-Engagement Centers Philanthropy Other (specify)Specify:__________________

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G. Many sectoral initiatives provide training to individuals, including incumbent workers and the unemployed, either directly or through partnerships. Which types of training does your organization or partnership offer as a part of your sector initiative? Check either column or leave the field blank if you do not currently offer nor are you considering offering it.

TYPES OF TRAINING CURRENTLY CONSIDERINGAdult Basic Education (ABE)English as a Second Language (ESL)Life skills/ behavioral trainingJob readiness (resume preparation, interviewing, and job search assistance)Technical skills trainingIntegrated math, literacy, ABE, ESL or work readiness as a part of vocational/technical skills trainingDistance learningInternships, apprenticeships, or on-the-job trainingIncumbent worker trainingBroker training from other organizationsEntrepreneurial TrainingOther (specify)

H. Low-income adults may also need a range of non-training supports to help them persist and succeed in training and/or upon placement. Below is a list of supports that are sometimes provided as part of a sector initiative needed by this population. Which supports does your organization or partnership currently provide as a part of your sector initiative? Check either column or leave the field blank if you do not currently offer nor are you considering offering it.

NON-TRAINING SUPPORTS CURRENTLY CONSIDERINGTutoring Financial assistance with training or academic-related expenses Academic advisingCase management Coordination of student/peer support networks Assistance with transportation concerns (financial support for, direct provision of service, or other)Assistance with child care (financial support for, direct provision of service, or other)Rental assistanceHealth care assistancePersonal counseling/mental health

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Referrals to specific community resourcesEmergency cash supportsFinancial counseling, e.g., assistance with financial aid, IDAs, EITC or taxes, and debtJob placementJob retention support (in additional to follow-up or data collection activities) Other (specify)

I. Who are some of the key employers in this industry that you partner with or envision partnering with? Key Industry Employers

J. How does business in this industry currently support your sector initiative? (check all that apply)

Hire graduates Participate in hiring events, job fairs, and/or mock interviews Offer site tours for staff and/or participants

Assist with and/or provide input on curriculum Serve on industry advisory or programmatic boards Provide instructors Provide job shadowing, mentoring, or internship opportunities Provide materials, equipment, meeting space or other in-kind resources Make financial donations Pay fees for services Provide paid release for employees to attend training Provide on-the-job training for new hires and/or incumbent workers Refer incumbent workers to training

Offer tuition reimbursement or other benefits to facilitate training and education. Other (specify)

K. Many sector programs also deliver a range of non-training services to their business customers or to their industry generally—services that are ultimately geared toward helping businesses in the targeted region compete more effectively and continue to provide jobs for local populations. These services may include industry research, technical assistance, human resources services, convening and networking, and other services. Do you provide any non-training business services?

Yes No ConsideringIf “Yes” or “Considering”, please describe briefly below.250 words or less

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L. Please provide us with some narrative context for the basic information outlined above, including:

When the project was or will be launched and how long you have been working on it?

What is the problem your initiative currently addresses or would like to address, with respect to both businesses in your target industry and low-income participants seeking to obtain employment or advance in the industry? Have you identified or articulated systemic changes or goals your initiative is trying to achieve?

What have been the initiative’s major accomplishments to date (please describe these both qualitatively and quantitatively to the extent possible)?

What are the primary goals and activities you see for the sector initiative and your work within that initiative over the next year?

500 words or less

M. What are your current responsibilities in relationship to this initiative? If applying as a team, please describe the roles of the team members and their relationship to each other.

250 words or less

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V. PARNTERSHIPSA key goal for the Academy is to help create or improve cross-institutional collaboration in workforce development in the Central Puget Sound region. Please provide us with the following:

An example of a partnership with another organization your institution is currently working with. What is the nature and goals of your partnership? What are the roles and responsibilities of your organization? What has been rewarding and challenging about the collaboration?

Opportunities your organization sees or is exploring for additional collaboration across the workforce development system in the Central Puget Sound region

500 words or less

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VI. LEARNING PRIORITIESIn order to get a sense of your learning priorities, please complete the table below. Please check ‘yes’ if the topic is something you would be interested in learning more about; check ‘no’ if the topic is not something that is of interest to you or relevant to your work. After you’ve gone through the table, please go back and select the three items that you would most like to see addressed in the context of the Academy.

Would you like to work with peer organizations in the construction industry on...?

Yes No This is one of my top 3

Issues Concerning Working With Business: Finding and using appropriate labor market data for our regionDeveloping relationships with new employersExpanding engagement opportunities with existing employer partnersLeveraging financial/in-kind support from employersProviding services to help businesses improve competitivenessMeasuring the benefits of our workforce services for the employers we work withIssues Concerning Addressing the Needs of Participants: Meeting supportive service needsNavigating and addressing language barriersNavigating and addressing cultural barriersDeveloping and/or linking to appropriate trainings and certificationsIntegrating skills training with adult basic educationImproving hiring or career advancement outcomes for training completersIssues Concerning Developing and Maintaining Effective Partnerships:Developing relationships with new partnersCommunicating with partnersAligning diverse agendasAligning diverse reporting requirementsWorking with community collegesWorking with local government agenciesIssues Concerning Managing Program Operations:FinancingSustainabilityStaffingProgram performanceData collection and managementCommunicationsIssues Concerning Pursuing Strategies for Change:

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Understanding systems and systemic issuesIdentifying systems change goalsPositioning within my sector Developing a change strategyChanging business practicesChanging education and training systemsChanging public policyMeasuring systems change

Please note other issues you would like to work on to improve your ability to connect to and meet the needs of either jobseekers or industry. 50 words or less

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VII. INSTRUCTIONS FOR REFERENCESAlong with your application, please include a letter of reference from the individual who holds direct responsibility for overseeing your work, explaining why you would be an appropriate candidate for participation in the Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy. In addition, please provide a reference from a professional partner external to your organization from another organization or employer you partner with or are considering partnering with on workforce development issues. Your references must be willing to be contacted by the Selection Committee for discussion of your application.

The letters of reference should provide the following information: 1. Professional relationship to applicant;2. Contact information including name, organization, title, address, email, and telephone

number;3. Examples of the applicant’s leadership competencies, achievements and commitment to

his/her work; 4. Areas in which the Academy might benefit the applicant and the organization that he/she

represents; and5. Expression of commitment to support the applicant, if selected for the Academy, in his or

her efforts for meaningful inquiry and practical application of concepts to his or her current work.

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VIII. COMMITMENT TO PARTICIPATE

If selected for this program, I will commit to full participation in all activities of the Academy including:

A 3-day retreat, scheduled for Feb. 29 – March 2, 2015 at the Kiana Lodge Subsequent retreats on the following dates: May 9-10; September 19-20; and

October 24-26 Peer groups and webinars between work sessions Development and presentation of a group capstone project. Presentations will

be held November 18, 2016.

Development and launch of a new or enhanced sector initiative

Agreed by:

________________________________________________ Name Date

COMPLETE ONLINE APPLICATION MUST BE RECEIVED NO LATER THAN

11:00pm, Friday, January 29th Please ensure all documents are signed electronically.

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IX. AUTHORIZATION TO IMPLEMENT

The Greater Seattle Sector Skills Academy is designed for emerging leaders In order to qualify for this program, applicants must hold a position of authority where they are involved in or responsible for the development and implementation of a sectoral employment initiative.

This form should be completed by the Executive Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President or other senior executive responsible for overseeing the work of the applicant.

Applicant’s Name: ________________________________________________________ Organization: ________________________________________________________Job Title: ________________________________________________________

I fully support the applicant’s petition to participate in the Sector Skills Academy. I understand that he/she will attend the following six sessions over a period of eight months as a part of his/her work responsibilities.

o February 29 – March 2, 2016o Subsequent meetings will occur on the following dates: May 9-10;

September 19-20; and October 24-26. Capstone presentations will occur on November 18, 2016

I also confirm that the applicant will have the authority and responsibility to develop or enhance a sectoral initiative on behalf of the organization listed above, and to begin implementation of this strategy during the course of the program.

Finally, I agree to attend and participate in sessions on February 29, 2016 and November 18, 2016 with the applicant.

Agreed By:

____________________________________________________Name

_______________________________________________________________________Title

________________________________________________Organization

___________________________________Date

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