Most Recent Publications

Opportunity in Tough Times: Promoting Advancement for Low-Wage Workers In a Difficult Economic Environment (September 2002)
As the 21st century began, state officials and workforce development practitioners were taking advantage of a strong economy, low unemployment, and flush govern... read more
After the Sunset: Sustaining School-to-Work Intermediary Activity (June 2002)
JFF asked members of the School-to-Work Intermediary Network how they were faring at the twilight of the federal investment and explored whether and how the sun... read more
Comments on Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (2002) (June 2002)
For the sponsors of Workforce Innovations 2002, one goal was to bring the message of “employer engagement” into discussions of reauthorization of th... read more
Building a Nation that Works: Designing TANF for the Workplace (June 2002)
Employers' interest in workforce development and the connection of their concerns to welfare is at an all-time high. At the same time, a key question as Congres... read more
Better Outcomes for Low-Income Youth and Adults: Lessons from the MetLife Foundation Awards (2002)
First-time college-goers, new immigrants, working adults, welfare recipients, high school dropouts, and others with limited college experience and success&mdash... read more
Data and Evidence Gathering: Strategies and Challenges (May 2002)
Local intermediary organizations perform key connecting and brokering functions linking schools, employers, and young people. How does such an organization meas... read more
How to Help Welfare Recipients and Other Low Wage Workers Secure—and Keep—Better Jobs (May 2002)
With Congress discussing the renewal of welfare legislation, JFF prepared a policy statement that draws upon our work with employers, employer organizations, an... read more
Evaluation of the Transition to Comprehensive Youth Services Under the Workforce Investment Act (May 2002)
The Workforce Investment Act mandates the creation of new planning and coordinating entities called "Youth Councils." Youth Councils can align the mul... read more
Community Colleges and the Equity Agenda: The Potential of Non-Credit Education (April 2002)
This paper addresses the advantages of and challenges to non-credit community college programs for helping low-income students advance. It proposes ways that no... read more
Community Colleges and Low Income Populations: A Background Paper (March 2002)
This paper describes factors that make the community college the institution best positioned to serve low-income individuals' learning and advancement needs. It... read more