Oklahoma Department of Human Services on behalf of 'The Force'

PROJECT PURPOSE

One Workforce Oklahoma ('The Force'), a multi-cabinet, multi-agency workforce workgroup, has developed a draft strategy to address the disruption of the pandemic by building a workforce strategy that reframes 'workforce' in Oklahoma from today's definition of matching a person with a job to a future in which 'workforce' begins when you ask a child what they want to do when they grow up.

EVIDENCE

The primary effort of the strategy is to expand and deliver workforce training programs through a redefined distribution model in an effort to build the workforce for a future diversified economy in Oklahoma. Significant evidence exists supporting the efficacy of workforce programs in addressing poverty and building economic resilience for citizens and industry.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

In addition to addressing vocational education in schools as a real alternative to college, the 'Force' strategy includes building a more robust distribution model for workforce services that addresses the systemic and resource needs that vulnerable populations have as they work to enter or re-enter the workforce after the pandemic. Of the 600,000+ people living in poverty in Oklahoma, many have significant barriers that exist that keep them from consistently engaging in services intending to help them achieve upward mobility. Not only has the 'Force' built a strategy to address these hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals in poverty, but a special subcommittee is functioning that addresses 'Special Populations' that have specific workforce needs, including those with disabilities, people leaving the criminal justice system, vulnerable children and seniors, among others. The framework built by the 'Force' allows for further strategizing around impacted communities with a mechanism to actually execute.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Upon award of the ARPA request, specific success outcomes will be determined, but will include metrics around workforce upskilling, improved access to basic and employment resources, quality jobs and workforce participation rates. Data will be collected and success outcomes will be measured through case management tools including BeANeighbor.org, a salesforce platform.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma