Washington’s National Governors Association WIN Team

Washington is part of an inaugural cohort of states to receive grant funding as part of the Workforce Innovation Network (WIN). The $100,000 grant, announced in March 2021, by the National Governors Association and Cognizant U.S. Foundation, is intended to help improve employment outcomes in response to the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Governor Inslee has made inclusive, equitable economic recovery a priority and directed the state’s Workforce Board to develop the workforce development component of the state’s economic recovery plan. This grant-funded project will advance several important, cross-agency goals. View the winning application packet (PDF).

Washington’s four big goals

1. Research and identify self‐sufficiency standard resources from around the country, including from states that have already begun implementing and tracking progress using such a tool.
2. Facilitate the creation of an implementation plan and cross‐agency memoranda of understanding, as appropriate.
3. Focus on engaging our system’s partners in the business and labor community to ensure broad community consultation and buy‐in to the vision and goals.
4. Expand or create new pathways to high demand career pathways, with a focus on economic security for economically vulnerable and marginalized communities.

The WIN initiative brings state resources together to help all Washington workers who have been dislocated as a result of the pandemic find meaningful and sustaining employment in the post-pandemic economy. Washington’s focus, shared with most of the participating WIN states, is on those displaced from low-wage jobs, particularly the hospitality, retail and travel sectors. The project will develop pathways to high-demand, high-wage career opportunities, with a special emphasis on closing economic disparities among marginalized populations and communities.

Technology plays role in long-term economic health

Washington’s economic recovery efforts need to focus on long-term economic resilience–for its residents, businesses, and communities. Investments in education and training should include digital literacy and technological tools. It’s more important than ever to prepare workers and businesses to withstand technology-induced disruptions, be part of the innovation economy, and continue the state’s robust growth.

Participating State Team Partners

• Governor’s Office
• Washington’s Workforce Board
• Department of Social and Health Services
• State Board for Community and Technical Colleges
• Department of Commerce