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Practices & Centers

Policy & Advocacy

We are advancing evidence-based policy to enact changes in the education system and the workforce.
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We believe in the power of nonpartisan policy reform to create conditions for all to thrive.

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Nearly half of U.S. workers are in low-paying jobs. Systemic issues in education, employment, and workforce development prevent millions of people from advancing economically and threaten our 10-year goal of 75 million people working in quality jobs.

The Policy & Advocacy team at Jobs for the Future leads the national conversation on economic advancement, influences state and national discussions, and designs practice-informed solutions. Our work is bold and field-tested, and we work on both sides of the aisle.

Key Initiatives

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Policy Solutions for Economic Advancement

We champion practice-informed, nonpartisan policy approaches for changes in the education system and workforce systems. We provide expert guidance to federal and state policymakers and other stakeholders through forums and institutes, subject-matter expertise, and design and implementation assistance.

Financing the Future

We explore innovative ideas for financing education to increase affordability, quality, and employer engagement.

 

News & Ideas

Featured Projects

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No Dead Ends

No Dead Ends is JFF’s national policy campaign for eliminating dead ends at school, at work, and in life.
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Financing the Future

JFF’s Financing the Future initiative reimagines the way we finance education and skills development.

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Federal Policymaker Networks

JFF’s Congressional Staff and Executive Branch Networks on Economic Advancement connect federal policymakers with practitioners from across the country to learn about evidence-based, replicable, and innovative practices that meet the nation’s most complex education and workforce challenges.

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Policy Leadership Trust

JFF established the Policy Leadership Trust to marshal evidence, expertise, and insights of postsecondary practitioners to influence the direction of state and federal policy. Community college leaders and state system officials serving on the trust identify how policy can help more learners and workers attain credentials and skills and succeed in the labor market.

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When Policy Meets Practice Podcast Series

Hosted by longtime higher education journalist Paul Fain, the podcast features conversations with prominent community college leaders about the policy approaches that work best for workers, learners, and employers, and those that fall short.

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Our Work

Team

Meet our staff

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The Policy & Advocacy team at Jobs for the Future and our network of expert partners are available to help with analysis and recommendations, strategic outreach, advocacy and convenings, and more. Contact us to learn more about how you can partner with us or support our work, and subscribe for updates.
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