The Workforce Benchmarking Network (WBN) cohort model brings together workforce organizations from a specific region to learn more deeply about their program data and how to use it to advance equity, improve outcomes, elevate job seeker voice, & articulate impact to funders. Organizations learn how to assess their impact and outcomes beyond required program measures and have the tools and processes to make data-informed program and policy changes.
Previous WBN Cohorts
New York City, NY
- 2025 WBN NYC
Funded by The Pinkerton Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Ira W. DeCamp Foundation, and Deutsche Bank - 2024 WBN NYC
Funded by Pinkerton Foundation
Dallas, TX
- 2023 WBN Dallas
Funded by United Way of Metropolitan Dallas - 2017-2019 WBN Dallas
Funded by
Detroit, MI
- 2023 WBN Detroit
Funded by W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Minneapolis & St. Paul, MN
- 2015-2016 WBN Twin Cities
Funded by Greater Twin Cities United Way, the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota, and LISC Twin Cities
Philadelphia, PA
- 2018 WBN Philadelphia
Funded by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey - 2019 WBN Philadelphia
Funded by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey
Atlanta, GA
- 2018-2019 WBN Atlanta
Funded by the Atlanta United Way
Participation in the WBN cohort has introduced me to new terminology and frameworks that have enhanced how I communicate about impact and evaluation. As the lead for data at my organization, it was affirming to see that many of the strategies I use to share outcomes and metrics align with broader field standards. The cohort also encouraged me to explore new tools – most notably, automated dashboards, which I had not previously used. Additionally, our team is now more intentionally focused on building continuous feedback loops, not just for program management, which we’ve practiced before, but as a core component of our data culture and decision-making.
Participate in the Workforce Benchmarking Network Cohorts:
WBN Cohort Structure
The WBN Cohort combines peer forums, technical assistance, and evidence-based self-assessments all of which are designed to help organizations identify and anticipate services gaps, and apply immediate and long-term strategic changes to their programs.
Topics of forums and technical assistance will include continuous program improvement, recruitment and retention, employer and alumni engagement, impact assessment, and newly developed content on artificial intelligence. The general process for forums includes:
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Structured conversation about how programs currently measure success and progress in the area of focus, using examples of both quantitative and qualitative data collection.
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Presentations from CSW, local or national practitioners about strategies that programs have found effective and other factors that contribute to success in the focus area.
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Small group, cross-organization discussions around strategies to address longstanding and emerging challenges.
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Team action planning around new strategy ideas for data and equity goal implementation.
All participating organizations in the WBN cohorts complete the WBN National Survey, which allows organizations to understand their outcomes and impact in the context of their local and national peers. Forum & coaching topics are designed to meet the needs of participating organizations, but may include:
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Making Metrics Matter: Internal culture shifts to use data for program improvement and equity
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Long-Term Retention Begins on Day One: Participant recruitment and retention
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Supporting Job Placement and Retention: Authentic employer and alumni engagement
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Impact Assessment and Storytelling: Measuring and communicating your program’s true impact
Recent Publications
WBN Detroit Spotlight: How Zaman International Is Using Nontraditional Data Metrics to Improve Program Outcomes
Nonprofit workforce organizations face growing expectations to not only demonstrate their impact, but to also serve more participants both... read more →
November 10, 2025
WBN NYC Spotlight: How Reel Works Transformed Their Alumni Engagement Using Data
There is a growing expectation that workforce development nonprofits need to more comprehensively capture and communicate the impact of... read more →
June 24, 2025
2025 WBN NYC Cohort Announced
New York, New York, February 26, 2025: Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) and the New York City Employment... read more →
February 26, 2025
WBN NYC Spotlight: How Sakhi is Using Data to Empower Participants and Improve Outcomes
There is a growing expectation that workforce nonprofits need to more comprehensively capture and communicate the impact of their... read more →
January 10, 2025
2025 Workforce Benchmarking Network (WBN) New York City Cohort FAQ
What kinds of organizations are eligible to participate in the WBN NYC cohort? Organizations participating in the WBN... read more →
January 3, 2025
Second WBN NYC Cohort Announced – Launching January 2025
New York, New York, December 11, 2024: Corporation for a Skilled Workforce (CSW) is pleased to announce the 2025... read more →
December 11, 2024
Participating in the WBN cohort has shaped how I approach my work, especially when it comes to using disaggregated data more intentionally in planning and evaluation. It’s helped me get better organized for upcoming training cohorts and make sure our program operations stay aligned with both our organization’s goals and grant requirements. Since the cohort, I’ve used the engagement funnel framework to manage about 2,000 applications we received in just two weeks. It helped bring the team together around shared goals, and the insights made it easier for everyone to stay focused and work more efficiently.
Cohort Experience
Of 2025 WBN NYC Cohort members: 100% of cohort members report having learned new strategies through the cohort that they incorporated in their work. Additionally:
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97% of cohort members agree or strongly agree that the skills learned through the WBN cohort have increased the value they will bring to future roles.
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90% of cohort members agree or strongly agree that participating in the WBN cohort has boosted their confidence to make a positive impact on workforce development programs.
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90% of cohort members agree or strongly agree that they feel more confident using data to inform program strategy, improve program practices, or support clients because of their participation in the WBN cohort.
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90% of cohort members agree or strongly agree that the WBN cohort increased their professional network and/or helped them make valuable connections to other workforce organizations/professionals.
Support improvements in worker skills, lifelong learning, and job quality: