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 WBN NYC cohort. That includes for-profit and employer-led workforce programs so long as the organization is participating to build their capacity to use data to improve and achieve more equitable participant outcomes.
Can national organizations with sites in NYC participate?
Yes. More than a handful of national organizations that provide workforce services in Detroit and Dallas are actively participating in cohorts in those respective cities. National organizations interested in the WBN NYC cohort would submit data related to their NYC program(s) and focus on workforce services provided within New York City.
What are the benefits of participating? Is there a cost?
Participation in the WBN NYC cohort is completely free to you and your organization through generous capacity building funding from The Pinkerton Foundation. Participating organizations will join a growing national community of practice of workforce service providers committed to optimizing data collection and utilization and building staff and organizational data acumen to improve participant outcomes. Through this experience participants will:
1) Attend in-person and virtual peer forums and workshops focused on building individual and organizational data capacity;
2) Access one-on-one coaching and technical assistance designed to resolved organizational performance challenges and institutionalize the utilization of continuous improvement tools and processes;
3) Master best and promising tools and resources developed and deployed by local and national peers;
4) Contribute vital knowledge to a growing national community of practice
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 leadership, management, data, and staff responsible for providing career readiness, job placement and supportive services. 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 of pursue alternative employment. Additionally, we will generally host a refresher session 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?
We polled a variety of active WBN members from Detroit to answer this question. 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.
Are the days and times already set for the WBN NYC cohort?
Yes. Cohort activities will take place during the following dates:
April 17, 2024: 6-Hour Intro Workshop (In-Person) from 9:00-3:00 PM
April 18 to 19, 2024: 1-Hour Site Visits (In-Person) from 8:00-5:00 PM
May 9, 2024: 1-Hour WBN National Survey Webinar from 10:00-11:00 AM
May 10 to 21, 2024: 1-Hour WBN National Survey Calls (Virtual) from 9:00-5:00 PM
June 11, 2024: 6-Hour Peer Forum (In-Person) from 9:00-3:00 PM
June 12 to July 12, 2024: 1-Hour Coaching Calls (Virtual) from 9:00-5:00 PM
July 18, 2024: 1.5-Hour Understanding Your Survey Reports Webinar (Virtual) from 10:00-11:30 AM
August 7 to 21, 2024: 1-Hour Survey Reports Coaching Call from 9:00-5:00 PM
September 17, 2024: 6-Hour Peer Forum (In-Person) from 9:00-3:00 PM
September 18 to October 4, 2024: Coaching Calls from 9:00-5:00 PM
November 7, 2024: Peer Forum (Virtual) from 9:00-12:30 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 March 21st, 2024. Organizations will be notified of their selection by March 24th, 2024. LOI Link: https://forms.office.com/r/DTB3VLsHSq
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