Workforce Systems Leadership Program

The workforce development field is experiencing unprecedented change. To successfully manage change in the current environment, the field needs skillful and collaborative cross-sector leaders. Through the Workforce Systems Leadership Program (WSLP), Coro and the Workforce Professionals Training Institute (WPTI) will prepare senior leaders to use their skills, expertise, and networks to respond to the changing workforce development landscape, drive innovative practices and improve service delivery for low-income NYC residents seeking employment and career advancement opportunities.

Providing training to workforce leaders through this program is critical to growing the ecosystem of providers and diversity of staff in the field. I know this because as a Coro alum, I am an example of the positive impact of their programs. Gregg Bishop

Commissioner, NYC Department of Small Business Services

What will you get?
THE KNOWLEDGE
WSLP deeply immerses participants in building individual and collaborative capacity for practicing leadership and bringing about change in their organizations and communities. 

THE SKILLS
WSLP uses the City of New York as a classroom to explore, test and build effective systems change strategies to adapt and thrive in challenging environments.

THE NETWORK
WSLP connects participants to an accomplished community of cross-sector workforce leaders and Coro alumni from all industries, who are dedicated to supporting one another and to improving the City in which we live and work.

Key Program Features

COMMUNITY BUILDING
Over the course of the program, participants develop close ties with members of their cohort through intensive training and peer consulting. Facilitated alumni activities keep graduates engaged with Coro and WPTI, their colleagues, and the skills and knowledge to continue to lead change long after graduation.

EXPERT INTERVIEWS
Participants are exposed to a range of stakeholders in the workforce community to explore a variety of strategies and resources they can apply to their work. They also gain an awareness of multiple perspectives and the benefits of collaboration to drive change. 

ISSUE EXPLORATION
Participants leave with a deeper understanding of challenges and gaps in the workforce development system; advocacy strategies to better direct and increase investment in the field; and collaboration practices to more effectively meet the needs of low-income individuals and employers.

SYSTEM CHANGE
To ensure that the impact of the program extends beyond the training room, participants will create System Change Projects of their choosing with their cohort that focuses on collaboration, industry engagement, scale, sustainability, or policy change.

LEADERSHIP EXERCISES
WSLP presents participants with an array of leadership development tools and challenges to push them to explore all aspects of an issue and navigate varying stakeholder interests to enhance leadership skills.

Who should apply?

We are seeking a highly talented, multi-diverse, cross-sector cohort of approximately 25 senior workforce professionals who are interested in expanding their leadership capacity. We encourage changemakers from all backgrounds to apply, including but not limited to: community-based organizations, government agencies, foundations, post-secondary and career and technical education institutions, unions, and public libraries. All will be committed to better connecting low-income job seekers to quality jobs. WSLP meets June 2019 through March 2020.

Ideal applicants:

  • Work for a New York City organization supporting workforce development in low-to-moderate income communities.
  • Serve in a senior leadership role and are leading change on behalf of their organization around workforce development.
  • Have at least five years of experience in the field of workforce development.
  • Have a passion and curiosity about developing new leadership skills germane to problem-solving in New York City.
  • Are interested in joining the Coro community and alumni network.
Cost

Due to the generous support of our funders, there is no program tuition for the 13 days of leadership development training, individual and small group coaching, lodging and meals at the opening retreat, and access to Coro alumni and cross-program events. There is a $100 materials fee due upon acceptance.

As the leader of a workforce organization (and a Coro alum), I clearly see the need for a program that would build a network of alumni to lead the workforce system more collaboratively. Given the complexity and silos of the system, I very much support this leadership development opportunity.

Katy Gaul-Stigge

President & Chief Executive Officer, Goodwill Industries of Greater New York & Northern New Jersey

Application

Click here to apply! The deadline to apply for the 2019 cohort is May 1, 2019.

Interest Form

Register here to receive WSLP 2020 updates and application information starting next spring.

Current Participants

Meet the current class of leaders.

Brochure

View the brochure or download to pass on to a friend.

Calendar

View the calendar to see important dates and events.

Questions

Questions can be directed to Garrett Lucien, Senior Program Director at garrett@coro.nyc or 212 248 2935

WSLP is a partnership with the Workforce Professionals Training Institute, the preeminent nonprofit training and technical assistance intermediary for New York City’s workforce development community.  

SUPPORTERS

Generous funding support for WSLP has been provided by Ira W DeCamp Foundation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Mizuho USA Foundation, NYC Department of Small Business Services, Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation.