NEW YORK CITY – April 18, 2019 – The Skillful State Network, a Markle Foundation initiative, today announced its expansion to 26 member states. The governors of California, Connecticut, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and Pennsylvania have joined the founding states in the Network’s efforts to create a labor market in which skills learned anywhere are valued and people can rapidly and affordably access the information and training needed for good jobs in the digital economy. Entering its second year, the Skillful State Network fosters collaboration among innovative governors from states large and small, coast to coast and across the political spectrum. The governors in the Skillful State Network have made workforce development a state priority and are committed to acting on proven practices that enable their residents and employers to thrive.
“The Skillful State Network acts on the urgent need for leadership to bring the talent of Americans into the rapidly changing digital economy. Governors are joining together to break down the barriers keeping too many people from finding good careers,” said Zoë Baird, CEO and President of the Markle Foundation. “With bipartisan gubernatorial leadership from 26 states across the country, we are giving people greater power in the labor market to pursue rewarding careers.”
“Workforce development is a top priority for Indiana’s
Next Level agenda, and collaborating with the Skillful State
Network advances our efforts to transform the labor
market to meet current and future needs for high-wage,
in-demand jobs,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb,
one of the founding Network members. “This
transformation begins at home and includes providing
states the tools they need, such as flexible funding options for education and training. Together, we’ll unleash opportunity for individuals to secure industry-validated credentials and become part of our workforce pipeline. I am excited to work with my fellow governors in finding ways to support America’s workers and businesses in staying strong, resilient and competitive in the 21st century economy.”
