Jobs for the Future Partners with Lumina Foundation on FutureReady States Initiative to Drive Short-Term Credentials Strategies
JFF will work with governors’ offices in Colorado and Alabama to shape statewide visions & policy agendas for advancing high-quality, short-term credentials aligned with economic outcomes and workforce needs
Boston, MA — [July 11, 2025] — Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that drives transformation in U.S. education and workforce systems, is proud to partner with Lumina Foundation through its newly announced FutureReady States. The national initiative aims to ensure that short-term credentials deliver strong economic returns for working adults and state economies.
As part of this work, JFF will partner with Colorado and Alabama to help identify, strengthen, and scale training programs that lead to short-term credentials—such as certificates and industry certifications—with proven value in the labor market.
As part of FutureReady States, JFF will serve as one of five national organizations supporting states in advancing innovative credential strategies. In both Colorado and Alabama, JFF will work directly with governors’ offices and other key leaders across the state to assess their current investments, identify opportunities, and set clear goals for program quality and learner outcomes. JFF will also facilitate peer learning through cross-state convenings.
In recent years, states have rapidly expanded short-term degree programs in response to changing workforce needs. A 2023 report from HCM Strategists, supported by Lumina, found that states invested $3.8 billion in short-term credentials—nearly double the federal investment in WIOA Adult and Dislocated Worker programs. In just one year, that number jumped by nearly $2 billion, underscoring rising momentum for faster, more flexible pathways into the workforce.
Yet key questions remain: Which credentials lead to quality jobs? For whom? And how can states better align these programs with labor market demands?
“Millions of adults are looking for fast, affordable ways to gain new skills—and employers want talent today,” said Chauncy Lennon, Lumina’s vice president for learning and work. “FutureReady States can help states meet this moment by giving everyone a laser focus on what works.”
Colorado and Alabama join 10 other states in the national cohort, each receiving guidance from one of Lumina’s national partners—Jobs for the Future, Business-Higher Education Forum, Education Strategy Group, National Skills Coalition, and The Century Foundation.
“From the profound impact AI will have on the workforce to a constantly shifting labor market, high-quality credential programs are essential to ensuring learners and workers have the most current, in-demand skills,” said Maria Flynn, president and CEO at Jobs for the Future. “We’re honored to be part of Lumina’s FutureReady States initiative and look forward to the important work ahead with Colorado and Alabama.”
Through JFF’s leadership, this 18-month planning grant will help position Colorado and Alabama as national models for aligning short-term credentials with economic mobility and workforce competitiveness.
During the kick-off webinar for FutureReady States, Colorado Governor Jared Polis offered remarks: “In Colorado, we’ve been focused on expanding pathways for learners of all ages, to get the skills they need and help credential those skills in a way that’s meaningful to employers, to fill in-demand jobs. With this initiative, we’re really driving conversations about what readiness is, how we measure it, how to prepare individual learners, and drive our economic competitiveness. Together, we’re challenging what it means to be prepared to succeed, and from where I sit, that’s a recipe for opportunity and prosperity.”
In response to the launch of the initiative, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey shared: “Alabama has prioritized building a transparent, skills-based credentialing system that puts students, workers and employers on the same page – and on the path to shared success. Our Alabama Credential Registry is proving that when you align talent with opportunity, everyone wins. I’m proud that Alabama is leading the way, and I applaud Lumina for challenging more states to follow suit.”
###
About Jobs for the Future (JFF)
Jobs for the Future (JFF) transforms U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. jff.org
About Lumina Foundation
Lumina Foundation is an independent, private foundation in Indianapolis committed to making opportunities for learning beyond high school available to all. It envisions higher learning that is easy to navigate, delivers fair results, and meets the nation’s talent needs.