Work First

Founded in 2005, the Work First Foundation is a workforce innovation laboratory that runs demonstration projects that connect disadvantaged job seekers to opportunities, researches poverty alleviation strategies, and engages in advocacy efforts to promote economic self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. Work First has conducted research on issues pertaining to poverty, policy and the economy, particularly as they impact ex-offenders, veterans and homeless veterans, individuals receiving social security disability and youth aging out of foster care. As part of its mission to lift people out of poverty through employment, Work First sponsors projects that demonstrate the practical application of innovative workforce development strategies. These projects include job placement and job search support programs for hard-to-place individuals, including untrained or unemployed workers, homeless veterans, justice-involved individuals, persons transitioning out of public assistance, youth transitioning out of foster care, and any other individuals with difficulties finding, securing and staying employed. In the fall of 2013, Work First launched a Fellowship program that connects young professionals interested in public policy with the opportunity to have a direct impact on urban poverty. Through the Work First Fellowship, recent graduates expand their understanding of public policy and how it impacts the clients they serve. To learn more about Work First and the Fellowship program, visit www.theworkfirstfoundation.org