Taking the Initiative on Jobs and Race

Innovations in Workforce Development for Minority Job Seekers and Employers

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

November 3, 2001

Aecf Taking The Initiative On Jobs And Race cover

Read or Download the Report

28-page PDF

In This Report, You’ll Learn

  • An overview of the Foundation’s Jobs Initiative.
  • Why job seekers in many inner-city communities have trouble finding and keeping jobs.
  • The continuing problem of employment discrimination.
  • How race, ethnicity, language, culture and power dynamics affect workforce policies and practices.
  • A description of soft skills training for low-skilled job seekers, and why it’s important.
  • A definition of cultural illiteracy.
  • Elements of systems reform including private and public investment in workforce development initiatives.

About This Report

Summary

This Jobs Initiative report explores racial discrimination against low-skilled workers in regional labor markets – and what can be done about it.​ The report includes lessons learned around issues of cultural competence, and identifies helpful tools to improve workforce development for jobs seekers, workers and employers alike.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

New Paradigm for Workforce Development

A successful workforce development approach is one that addresses issues of race and ethnicity. In particular, systems and policy changes are needed to transform the lives and employment opportunities of low-skilled minority men.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations