Workforce Community of Inquiry in the Deep South

Dive Deeper Into the Key Research Insights

Insight #1: The degree to which workforce systems communicate and prioritize the outcomes of Black participants is mixed across the Deep South and difficult to determine based on WCI conversations.

Workforce systems across the Deep South face challenges in effectively communicating and prioritizing what’s needed to support economic advancement of Black learners and workers. The extent to which these systems effectively address Black people’s unique needs varied substantially across communities. One workforce customer from Atlanta described their deep appreciation for the life-changing opportunities provided by the workforce system. Meanwhile, another customer from North Carolina noted that while child care vouchers help, they’re meaningless without transportation to get children to the care center. Interviewees who had easy access to their job center and were greeted by providers who reflected the demographics of the community expressed a high level of satisfaction with their experience. Overall, while there are glimpses of hope for addressing specific challenges in some regions, widespread systemic barriers remain that hinder the full realization of economic advancement for Black workers. A young adult in Memphis discussed the challenge of learning new skills while working full time. Importantly, there appears to be a lost opportunity to document and share stories of success and resilience that could increase awareness of services and motivate and encourage those who are struggling.

Insight #2: Organizations that cultivate a culture of trust, empathy, responsiveness, and encouragement empower people to believe in their ability to succeed even when facing adversity.

These organizations also tend to generate and promote unbiased, inclusive, and human-centered customer service. These environments helped Black people feel empowered even in the face of obstacles. Intentionally creating opportunities for people to share their stories allows for deeper understanding of how a person’s experiences and circumstances influence their journey. One customer from CareerRise highlighted the importance of recognizing one’s potential beyond their current circumstances, while another emphasized the significance of a supportive environment.

Insight #3: Holistic service delivery that acknowledges and respects an individual’s time, unique circumstances and abilities, and critical needs results in greater success.

Programs that deploy a multi-pronged service approach yielded more satisfied customers. This includes ensuring services are streamlined and integrated with clear communication channels and eligibility criteria. Employing workers and learners to codesign delivery models helps ensure transparency and relevance to support the needs of those utilizing services. Examining benefits structures and adequately preparing and supporting individuals is critical as they progress toward self-sufficiency and eligibility for services changes. Workforce agencies that collaborate and cross-train their professionals can better guide individuals toward resources and services that span funding streams and zip codes. Designing programs to address a range of mental, physical, financial, nutritional, and accessibility needs creates a system that more comprehensively supports an individual’s career goals. One workforce system customer noted the hospitality and welcoming environment of their American Job Center. A training provider from Arkansas also emphasized the importance of focusing on the progress and outcomes of program participants rather than counting foot traffic or services delivered.

Insight #4: In general, wages still fall below self-sufficiency standards across much of the Deep South. Many Black people are employed in jobs that lack core quality elements, such as indiscriminate hiring practices, benefits (including flexible paid time off), safe working conditions, and career advancement opportunities.

Labor market dynamics described by interviewees paint a bleak picture of job quality for Black workers in the Deep South. Several noted that while wages have increased in recent years, they have not kept pace with inflation, making it challenging to stay afloat. The lack of flexibility within jobs paired with jobs that pay low wages presents unique challenges, particularly for those in rural communities and those who are parents or caregivers. Reflecting on this, a service provider from Alabama noted the job insecurity experienced by parents. An interviewee also detailed the racial discrimination he experienced in his job search, underscoring systemic barriers faced by Black jobseekers in accessing quality employment.

Insight #5: Occupational segregation is perpetuated by minimal access to career exploration opportunities in the Deep South and the prevalence of industries that traditionally pay lower wages and lack well-defined career pathways for entry-level workers.

Having more robust career exploration opportunities and resources for young Black students could help address occupational segregation by giving students a more comprehensive picture of career options outside of their community and industries that employ their family and friends. While opportunities for training and employment in the tech sector are increasing, many of the dominant industries across the Deep South traditionally pay lower wages and offer few advancement options. These sectors include home health care, warehousing, child care, and hospitality. One respondent from Memphis felt that occupational segregation is reinforced by limited access to data and information about high-wage, high-growth occupations.

Insight #6: Wealth generation and career success are heavily influenced by family, friends, and peer networks, access to supportive mentorship opportunities, and a level of grit and determination likely not required of non-Black populations.

Conversations repeatedly mentioned the profound impact of professional networks and supportive peers on career success. As expressed by a graduate of Year Up in Georgia highlights, “your network is your net worth.”  Individuals largely attributed successes they’ve experienced to not just the programs they’ve been able to access but also the people who have mentored, encouraged, and supported them along the way. In addition, several female interviewees noted that if it had not been for their inherent determination, they likely would not have achieved their success due to systemic barriers. An entrepreneur in Mississippi referred to herself as “one who doesn’t quit” as she described her experiences. These quotes underscore the important role of social connectedness and highlight that, for many Black jobseekers, wealth generation and career success depend on more than just access and opportunity.