Project
Discover what quality jobs really look like
Quality Jobs,
Real Opportunities
Quality jobs are key to economic success for people, businesses, communities, and our country. But more than half of the 170 million people in the U.S. labor force do not have a quality job and can't thrive – on the job or at home.
Building a Future That Works for Everyone
Our country’s economic success hinges on building a workforce that includes everyone. But millions of people are unable to access the education and training they need for the jobs of the future. We want to reimagine what’s possible, and transform learning and working in the United States.
Our vision: By 2033, 75 million Americans facing barriers to economic advancement will have quality jobs.
Reimagine. Rebuild. Together.
For more than 40 years, Jobs for the Future has partnered with organizations like yours to design solutions, scale best practices, influence policy and action, and invest in innovations.
Together, we’re leading public, private, and nonprofit changemakers to new ideas and evidence-based solutions to expand economic opportunity for all and strengthen the workforce of the future.
Latest Ideas
- Project
Expanding Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in the Metals Industry
August 6, 2025JFF is proud to partner with METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeships & Learning), a national initiative to support workforce needs in casting and forging. Learn more below. METAL is led by IACMI—The Composites Institute® with…
Report/ResearchJFF’s Inquiry-to-Action
July 31, 2025Inquiry-to-Action is a flexible, community-led model helping regions uncover root causes of workforce challenges and co-design inclusive, data-driven solutions—building trust, momentum, and lasting economic impact. What Participants are Saying The Need Local labor markets and…
ToolThe Rapid IT Training and Employment Initiative (RITEI) Action Guide
July 31, 2025Building an Inclusive IT Workforce Accessible market-driven IT training programs must couple skills development with hands-on experiences and supportive services to ensure job-readiness. These programs should incorporate work-based learning opportunities developed through cornerstone employer partnerships. …
ProjectQuality Indicators
July 23, 2025Quality Indicators Quality indicators are essential components of meaningful work-based learning programs. When incorporated into program design, these actionable, structured guidelines can strengthen learner experiences and help ensure effectiveness for all stakeholders. The six indicators—universal…
ProjectExemplars in Work-Based Learning
July 23, 2025Exemplars in Work-Based Learning Program exemplars are work-based learning initiatives that demonstrate many of the quality indicators, serving as models for equipping learners with the skills, experiences, and supports needed for career readiness and success.…
ProjectThe Framework
July 23, 2025The Framework Using This Framework This framework is intended for educators, employers, workforce professionals, correctional officers, policymakers, and anyone else who wants to design and operate high-quality work-based learning programs. The first section (below) explores…
Recent News
August 5, 2025 | Press Release
Jobs for the Future Awarded $19.5 Million Grant to Expand National Fair Chance to Advance Initiative
August 4, 2025 | In the News
The Job: Free College and Jobs
WorkShift
July 31, 2025 | In the News
I’m a former governor, an education leader, and mother to recent college grads. Gen Z alarms me with their financial illiteracy
Fortune
July 11, 2025 | Press Release
Jobs for the Future Partners with Lumina Foundation on FutureReady States Initiative to Drive Short-Term Credentials Strategies
July 6, 2025 | In the News
Trump wants more apprenticeships. Indiana is going all in.
The Washington Post
July 4, 2025 | In the News
Filling Jobs, and Bridging the Blue-Collar Gap
The New York Times