Our Work

Building Strong Regional Workforces

PPA is partnering with the W. E. Upjohn Institute to evaluate the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED), a major initiative of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration (ETA).

WIRED is a market-driven approach that provides financial incentives for regional collaboration among stakeholders.  The goal is to expand employment and advancement opportunities for workers and to create high-skill, high-wage jobs.

Strong Partnerships: PPA regularly forms partnerships with other organizations that complement its strengths and enhance the work product.  PPA's project manager for this work is Dr. Nancy Hewat, director of Education, Workforce and Economic Development.

Our Work:  Since 2007, the PPA/Upjohn team has been conducting an extensive evaluation of  ETA's overall strategy.  It has interviewed stakeholders representing the public workforce system, economic development, K-16 education, state and local government, and philanthropic organizations.  The team has also conducted employer surveys, reviewed administrative records and used an array of economic indicators to assess effectiveness. Evaluators have conducted site visits across the country of 26 of the 39 regions that have received WIRED funds.

Research questions center on the areas of strategic approach and implementation, innovation and capacity changes, economic and labor market effects, and cross-generational comparisons.

Better Public Policy: The PPA/UpJohn evaluation is strengthening regional efforts to compete more effectively in the 21st century global economy.

Links: Nurturing America's Growth