2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network (WBN) New York City Cohort FAQ

What kinds of organizations are eligible to participate in the WBN NYC cohort?

We encourage all NYC providers of direct workforce training and placement services to apply for the 2025 WBN NYC cohort. If you are interested in building capacity to use data to improve and achieve more equitable participant outcomes, we invite you to submit a letter of intent (LOI) for consideration. Please visit the following link to submit a LOI: https://forms.office.com/r/SYGkDe4ctG

Can national organizations with sites in NYC participate?

Yes. More than a handful of national organizations participated in the 2024 WBN NYC cohort. National organizations interested in the WBN NYC cohort will submit data related to their NYC program(s) and focus on workforce services provided within New York City.

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation in the 2025 WBN NYC cohort is completely free to you and your organization through generous funding from The Pinkerton Foundation, The Weinberg Foundation, and Deutch Bank.

Our organization is interested in participating in the WBN NYC cohort but is struggling to determine which staff members should participate. Can you provide us with some guidance?

Typically, organizations field teams of 3 to 5 staff including frontline, leadership, management, and data or operations. We’ve found that organizations that bring together staff representing a diverse set of functions tend to experience the most significant gains in organizational data culture and, in turn, participant outcomes.

We plan to have 3 to 5 staff participate in all cohort activities, but fear staff turnover or changes in programming could impact this. How do other WBN members maneuver these challenges?

We are aware of the realities facing the providers of direct workforce development services. We recognize that external pressures can sometimes impact participation in cohort activities and make a concerted effort to meet organizations where they are at. Generally, we recommend that organizations identify alternative staff members that can participate if core team members move into new roles or pursue alternative employment. Additionally, we will host refresher sessions at the mid-way point in the cohort to integrate new WBN members into the cohort and build familiarity with core tools and processes.

How much time do organizations typically commit to WBN activities each month?

Generally, organizations commit 2 to 4 hours each month to asynchronous WBN activities. Some organizations reported that the time commitment decreases as the cohort progresses and staff familiarity with WBN tools and processes increases.

Is the information my organization submits anonymized?

Yes, the information will be anonymous and viewable only to staff at your organization that you assign survey access privileges to. All data that you submit is in aggregate form, meaning that no personally identifiable information is ever submitted.

Are the days and times already set for the WBN NYC cohort?

Yes. Cohort activities will take place during the following dates:

• January 13 to 31, 2025: 1.5-Hour Virtual Site Visits from 8:00-5:00 PM
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025: Making Metrics Matter Workshop (In-Person) from 9:00-4:00 PM at Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011)
• February 21 to March 3, 2025: Optional 30-minute WBN National Survey Calls (Virtual) from 8:00-5:00 PM
• Wednesday, March 5, 2025: Understanding and Communicating Your True Impact Peer Forum (In-Person) from 9:00-4:00 PM at Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011)
• Friday, May 2, 2025: Recruitment and Retention Peer Forum (In-Person) from 9:00-4:00 PM at Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011)
• Thursday, June 5, 2025: Employer and Alumni Engagement Peer Forum (In-Person) from 9:00-4:00 PM at Pier 57 (25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011)
• Tuesday, June 24, 2025: 1-Hour WBN National Survey Webinar from 10:00-11:00 AM
• Thursday, September 18, 2025: 2-Hour Understanding Your Survey Reports Webinar (Virtual) from 10:00-12:00 PM

How can my organization participate in the WBN NYC cohort?

LOIs, which take 30-60 minutes to complete, can be submitted through the below link until 11:59 PM on January 8th, 2025. Organizations will be notified of their selection by January 10^th. LOI Link: https://forms.office.com/r/SYGkDe4ctG