Be a part of the inaugural cohort of eight cross-sector county teams dedicated to bridging post-secondary education, workforce development and human services systems. Apply today!

NACo’s Counties for Career Success (C4CS) is an initiative that recognizes the role of counties in streamlining pathways to good jobs and supporting individuals on those learning journeys. C4CS facilitates cross-systems collaboration between systems of post-secondary education, workforce development and human services to promote lifelong success among those experiencing barriers to education and employment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed lasting impacts on the nature of work, including a widespread shift toward remote work and automation, changes to job demand across industries, economic uncertainty, job loss and disparities in educational and employment attainment. Workers across the nation have had to adapt to these new ways of working and develop new skills to stay competitive in a changing job market.

Post-secondary education can be a practical pathway to the degrees, credentials and skills needed for employment in an economy with increased demand for qualifications beyond high school. Counties are uniquely positioned to invest in and coordinate post-secondary education, workforce development and human services systems that not only address industry needs, but also support low-income and marginalized students.

About the Cohort

C4CS assembles a peer network of cross-sector leaders from 8 counties, all committed to a collective impact approach that can reduce disparities, boost local economies and prepare them for the future of work. Selected counties will not only receive free technical assistance, access to national experts and peer learning opportunities, but also be nationally recognized as leaders in this field. The goal of the cohort is to increase residents’ access to career readiness and employment opportunities that help them achieve lifelong success. In return, counties can build new partnerships both across the public sector and with private employers. C4CS is supported by ECMC Foundation.

Ideal C4CS candidates are:

County teams of 3 representatives committed to working across departments and sectors -- 1 each from:

• Local post-secondary career and technical education (i.e., community colleges or a career technical education institution)
• Workforce development organizations (i.e., workforce development boards or non-profits)
• Human services agencies,

Interested in exploring a wide range of strategies for improving educational and employment attainment,

Experienced in demonstrating commitment to achieving systems change that reaches low-income and historically marginalized groups (e.g., BIPOC, student parents, transitional age youth), and

Enthusiastic about exploring best practices across the nation, as well as learning from and sharing with peers.

Apply Today

Counties for Career Success is accepting applications until July 14th, 2023 at 11:59PM EST. To apply,

1. STEP 1: Download the full application instructions and preview of questions here.

2. STEP 2: Submit your responses and letters of support and commitment in the form below.

If you have any questions, please see our Frequently Asked Questions or contact Annie Qing, Program Manager for Health and Human Services at aqing@naco.org or (202) 942-4269.