News
Adult Education is Workforce Development: Ending the Stigma and Building the Foundation of the Workforce
Samantha Smith, CWI Director of Adult Education, for the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals 07/08/26 Adult education forms the foundation of workforce development by equipping individuals with the essential skills needed to succeed in training, employment, and career advancement while strengthening our nation’s talent pipeline. After more than 20 years in adult education, I’ve…
Read More10 Commitments Workforce Leaders Should Consider Before the Next MUS Convening
Samantha Smith, CWI Director of Adult Education, for the MUS Connector Newsletter, 07/01/26 Every year, Midwest Urban Strategies convenes some of the brightest minds in workforce development. Workforce leaders gather to exchange ideas, share promising practices, discuss policy challenges, and celebrate innovation across our communities. Last week’s convening in Northwest Indiana was no exception. As I listened…
Read MoreWork-Based Learning Supportive Services Grant Supports Firefighter Training
WIMS Radio – 6/25/2026 The Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is proud to support the Liberty Township Volunteer Fire Department with a work-based learning supportive services grant that helps offset the cost of personal protective equipment (PPE) for a volunteer firefighter entering Fire Academy training. This support helps ensure a volunteer firefighter has the gear needed to…
Read MoreNational workforce development leaders to convene in Northwest Indiana
The Times of Northwest Indiana – 5/27/2026 National workforce development leaders will convene in Northwest Indiana for a major conference next week. Midwest Urban Strategies, the Center of Workforce Innovations and other partners in Northwest Indiana will host the 2026 Annual Convening, WorkforceWorks!! – The Urban Rural Connection from June 2 through June 4. Employers,…
Read MoreNorthwest Indiana Welcomes International Delegation to Showcase Global Trade and Logistics Strengths
American Journal of Transportation -5/4/2026 On Thursday, April 23, the Northwest Indiana Forum and Ports of Indiana welcomed an international delegation representing 10 countries and provinces to the Ports of Indiana – Burns Harbor, highlighting the region’s growing role in global trade, logistics, and industrial development. The visit was conducted in partnership with the Chicago…
Read MoreBuilding the Workforce Employers Need
NWI Works, a collaborative workforce development initiative in Northwest Indiana, has created a bootcamp designed to strengthen skills that are often missing in otherwise qualified job candidates. These essential abilities help employees be more productive, navigate workplace challenges, and position themselves for long-term career success. They are not technical or job-specific skills – they are…
Read MoreInnovative Opportunity Hub to Change Workforce Development
What if there was a way to train and prepare for employment all in one place? Not just a community center where job seekers can work on a resume or search for job openings, but a centralized hub that reduces barriers preventing many from accessing high-paying, in-demand careers. NWI Works has unveiled an innovative concept…
Read MoreWhy America’s Talent Strategy Confirms the Vision Behind the NWI Works Opportunity Hub
Across the United States, policymakers, employers, and workforce leaders are confronting the same question: how do we build a workforce system that actually connects people to real careers and helps employers find talent? A new national report, America’s Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for The Golden Age, outlines a blueprint for the future of workforce…
Read MoreCWI Announces Request for Proposals (RFP) for Consulting Services
Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization in the Northwest Indiana counties of Jasper, Lake, La Porte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski, and Starke governed by a Board of Directors. CWI is seeking an experienced entity or person that will provide consulting services to create a comprehensive fundraising plan for CWI to ensure…
Read MoreCWI Director of Adult Education Recognized for National Workforce Credential
Recognition Showcases Samantha Smith’s Dedication to Community‑Centered Workforce and Adult Education GARY, IN — Strengthening the connection between adult learning and workforce development, Samantha Smith, Center of Workforce Innovations’ Director of Adult Education, is now among a select group of individuals nationwide who have earned the Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential from the National…
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