#United States #San Diego #ASU+GSV Summit #America Achieves #Good Jobs Economy

America Achieves Advances Good Jobs Economy Initiative at ASU+GSV Summit

On April 14, 2026, during the ASU+GSV Summit, America Achieves made significant announcements regarding its Good Jobs Economy initiative, which aims to help individuals access better employment opportunities. This program, which initially launched last summer under the leadership of National Governors Association (NGA) Chair and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, and NGA Vice-Chair and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, is focused on enhancing workforce development across the United States.

Good Jobs Western North Carolina Launched

One of the key highlights of this initiative is the launch of the Good Jobs Western North Carolina (WNC) program. This locally led and regionally coordinated effort is designed to ensure that residents have easier access to employment, particularly in growing industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and skilled trades. The initiative has already garnered support from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, who expressed his enthusiasm about the program's potential to boost local economies by connecting people to the job market effectively.

In total, the Good Jobs WNC aims to connect 1,200 residents to quality employment opportunities over the course of the next three years. The overarching goal is to build a sustainable talent system that not only addresses immediate economic recovery needs but also creates durable pathways for future economic mobility.

Philanthropic Investments and Funding

Adding to its momentum, America Achieves announced that it has secured nearly $3 million in new funding from private and philanthropic sources. Notably, this includes a commitment of over $2.5 million towards the Good Jobs initiative specific to Western North Carolina, alongside support from the Best Buy Foundation, which emphasized the need for unified efforts to address workforce challenges.

The program aligns with the new Workforce Pell initiative, which was enacted by Congress last year. America Achieves outlined several recommendations for philanthropic organizations to help maximize the chances of success for Workforce Pell, including investing in states that set higher employment standards and funding the development of pathways to career advancement.

Educational Collaboration and Community Engagement

As part of the Good Jobs WNC initiative, America Achieves is collaborating with all 11 community colleges across 23 counties in North Carolina. This coalition includes local employers and foundations working together to ensure that training and educational programs meet the changing demands of the job market. MC Belk Pilon, President of the John M. Belk Endowment, noted the program’s strength lies in its community-driven approach, emphasizing trust as a crucial factor in building effective programs.

Moreover, the initiative follows a thorough listening campaign that involved conversations with community leaders about their needs and aspirations. This participatory model aims to establish a system that not only addresses job placement but also prepares residents for the evolving landscape of employment.

Emphasizing Quality and Impact

America Achieves’ commitment is clear: improving quality standards across existing educational and workforce funding to ensure that new initiatives deliver high-value outcomes for participants. By utilizing data and performance tracking developed for Workforce Pell, the initiative seeks to not only facilitate job placement but also ensure meaningful wage gains.

As evidenced by the active involvement of the Best Buy Foundation, corporate partnerships play a pivotal role in advancing the Good Jobs Economy. By collaborating with industry leaders, America Achieves hopes to create pathways for young adults and others seeking career opportunities that align with market demand.

Conclusion

With its commitment to enhancing workforce development, the Good Jobs Economy initiative, as highlighted at the ASU+GSV Summit, represents a key step towards transforming the job landscape in the United States. By leveraging local partnerships, philanthropic investments, and tailored educational programs, America Achieves aims to establish a sustainable framework for connecting people with good jobs and fostering economic resilience across communities. As Governor Stein invites national funders to join the movement, the potential for widespread impact continues to grow, emphasizing the critical importance of collaboration in building a robust economy for the future.