Growing Iowa's economy through policies that invest in workforce. 

Central Iowa Works convenes the Iowa Skills2Compete Coalition. Partners across the state help identify and advocate for policies that grow Iowa's economy by investing in opportunities that enable Iowans to obtain and sustain employment, while helping employers fill positions that require more than a high school diploma. 

Members of the coalition include faith-based groups, membership associations, representatives from the workforce partnerships, non-profits, community colleges, government partners, labor unions, business partners, and many others.

In 2014, the National Fund for Workforce Solutions awarded Central Iowa Works its Investor Committee Award
for exemplary effort to accomplish systems change.

Workforce Policy Agenda skills2compete cover image

Skills2Compete recommended these policies in the Iowa Legislative session. Click here or the image on this page to view or download a full version of the report.

  • Maintain current investments in adult basic education, PACE programs, pathway navigators, industry sector partnerships and GAP tuition assistance at $12.5 million and expand PACE programs to include apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.

  • Lead efforts to eliminate the child care "cliff effect" and increase access to quality and affordable child care by expanding the income eligibility level of the Child Care Assistance (CCA) program from 145 percent to 200 percent of the federal poverty level using a tiered co-pay schedule. Advocate for the stabilization of the child care provider market through CCA program improvements and reimbursement rates.

  • Support the Future Ready Iowa initiative to help grow Iowa's work force through new investments that build on the solid foundation of programs and funding currently in place.

  • Support efforts to increase awareness of affordable workforce housing issues and develop innovative policy solutions to address this growing problem.

  • Initiate a public-private partnership to increase opportunities for the direct care workforce to allow portability of credentials and training, support higher wages, and increase the talent pipeline.

  • Identify and support both public and private transportation solutions so communities have access to education, training and employment.

  • Support efforts to provide state identification cards to returning citizens upon exit from incarceration so that housing, employment and benefits can be secured.

United Way of Central Iowa advocacy efforts

Skills2Compete is part of United Way of Central Iowa's advocacy agenda, which promotes the health, education, and financial stability of all Iowans. Learn more about our priorities and how you can get involved. 

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