Building a Higher Skilled Workforce: Results and Implications from the BridgeConnect National Survey

"The BridgeConnect Survey was based upon a literature review and discussions with key actors stakeholders in the field. Responses were collected from 515 programs across 47 states that met the eligibility criteria outlined by WSC [Workforce Strategy Center]. This report highlights survey findings and describes the educational and career track outcomes of program completers, industries of emphasis, program elements, target populations, and funding streams. The report also includes feedback received from respondents regarding interest in further information, and offers recommendations for follow-on activities. BridgeConnect revealed that there are many efforts underway across the country with many different funding sources, target populations, standards, goals, and outcomes" (p. 2). (Abstractor: Author)

Based on the results from the survey, the author identifies three major conclusions: "[1.] No community of practice exists to advance the field. First, the data reveal this is a very diverse field of bridge programs, spread around the country and involving many different types of organizations. Currently there are limited opportunities or mechanisms to bring these various groups together. Creating an opportunity to connect the various programs across the country and provide for shared learning has the potential to further advance the field and robustness of practice. [2.] New questions emerged and new research will be needed. Second, BridgeConnect surfaced many new questions about the field that cannot be answered with this self-reported data: • What standards are being used among bridge programs for measuring their success? • What strategies work best with which populations? • Which are truly innovative programs? • Is it possible to bring this work to scale and find efficiencies? The robust response to BridgeConnect provides ample evidence that the field is now strong enough to merit an in-depth study of these questions and others. With an organized set of stakeholders to help establish research questions, a national demonstration project could ensue with a goal to collect more participant outcome data. [3.] Diverse set of stakeholders are involved. Third, the funding sources cited in the survey results indicate diverse combinations of federal, state, and philanthropic investments. Funding a community of practice or new research will require new investments. And setting new policy agendas will require consensus and strong organization of the stakeholders involved. If the experience of Illinois, Pennsylvania, California, and Ohio are any indication, these investments are showing results. The survey results raise a question about attempting to bring together an umbrella group of policymakers, practitioners, funders, researchers, and other stakeholders to deter- mine the implications of all of this work and to help guide new directions. These conclusions lead us to a set of recommendations that will help to formalize this work, ensure good practice, and help the field to mature and do so expeditiously" (p. iii). (Abstractor: Author)

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Resource Publication Date: 2010
• Author(s): Alssid, Julian; Goldberg, Melissa; Klerk, Sarah
• Organizational Author(s): Workforce Strategy Center
• Funding Source: Joyce Foundation
• Resource Availability: Publicly available
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• Posted in: Workforce System Strategies