News

The Texarkana Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce its continuation in partnering with local schools and businesses to increase awareness of the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) and its benefits. The Chamber’s number one goal is to aid in the creation of a work-ready community by equipping individuals with the skills and credentials necessary to succeed in the workforce. The Chamber is diligently working toward its’ goal of becoming a certified work-ready community (WRC).

During the March meeting of the Developing Howard County board, executive director Vanessa Weeks reported Howard County has been re-certified as Work Ready. Howard County was certified Work Ready in 2023 and must be re-certified every two years.

A group of Jackson (MS) Public School District students is gaining on-the-job training through the inaugural Nissan JPS Career Development Center Spring Internship Program. Jackson Public Schools, Nissan North America, and the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District are partners in the program. The internship is exclusively available to JPS students enrolled at CDC.

WAFB-TV showcases River Parishes Community College in the Work Ready Community at Ascension Parish. In an exclusive interview, Chancellor Quintin Taylor explained how RPCC played a major role in Donaldsonville securing automaker Hyundai’s first low-carbon steel plant in the nation.

Workforce has been cited in Site Selection Magazine’s annual survey of corporate consultants as a top factor in site selection decisions for several years in a row. The 2025 Workforce Guide by Conway Data Inc. is a special report that offers insight and analysis into best workforce development practices and alliances around the U.S.

ACT's Work Ready Communities program thanks Site Selection for its research partnership for the betterment of workforce development. Local WRCs are found frequently throughout this showcase of excellence.

Moniteau Presiding Commissioner Joe Lutz and 2nd District Commissioner Jerry Volkart recently accepted the Work Ready Community Award on behalf of Moniteau County. In Cooper County, Presiding Commissioner George Monk, Eastern District Commissioner Charlie Melkersman, and Western District Commissioner Danny Larm accepted the award for their county’s accomplishments.

The East Baton Rouge Parish School System has taken a significant step in ensuring that students are not just academically prepared but also workforce-ready through its Learn and Earn Internship Program. This initiative, in partnership with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber and the local business community, offers rising seniors a transformative experience that combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry exposure.

Genesee County’s ACT Work Ready Communities campaign has quickly hit its first milestone with support from various employers. Business signups surpassed 92, meeting the program’s goal. Now, local supporters are working with schools, workforce institutions, and other stakeholders to recruit candidates and companies for the next phase.

All three ACT WorkKeys assessments were significant predictors of successful program completion and credential attainment, according to thesis research of learners just outside of Columbus, Ohio. The study emphasized key postsecondary CTE policies, the importance of ACT WorkKeys for entry, enrollment barriers, and policy changes to improve practices. It supported ACT WorkKeys for measuring academic and job readiness, aligning with existing research and advocating for policy reforms to enhance student success.

The WRC team at ACT has a value-packed year ahead for professional development and networking with Workforce Wednesday, WRC Live, the Boot Camp, and the new ACT Summit. Powered by thousands of employers and local champions in hundreds of Work Ready Communities across dozens of states, Workforce Wednesday and WRC Live! are provided at no charge to participating WorkKeys and WRC locations.