Kern County California Jobs First Initiative
The California Jobs First Initiative in Kern County, managed by the Kern Community College District and the Kern Coalition, aims to advance economic competitiveness across the region by prioritizing job creation, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth. The Planning Phase focused on the strategic planning, laying a solid foundation for the Catalyst phase.
CA Jobs First Initiative in Kern County
Client
Purpose
The California Jobs First Initiative is a state-wide economic development effort aimed at fostering equitable and sustainable job creation across California. Workforce Innovation Labs will serve as the project management company responsible for ensuring the effective execution of the Kern County Collaborative’s activities under this initiative. This includes stakeholder engagement, fund management, regional communication, and strategic oversight.
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Developing and supporting initiatives that generate family-sustaining jobs in priority sectors.
Ensuring equity and inclusivity by promoting equitable access to workforce opportunities, prioritizing underserved communities.
Streamlining project execution and implementing effective project management strategies to ensure timely progress, accountability, and measurable outcomes.
Designing and implementing transparent processes for distributing Catalyst Funds to impactful, high-quality projects that align with regional goals.
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Careers with family-sustaining wages
Priority sectors identified by the Kern Coalition
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Regional Conveners (Representing Five CBOs)
Governance Council (16 members representing each region of the Kern County)
Kern Community College District (Fiscal Agent of the CA Jobs First in Kern)
CA Jobs First Regional Director
Accountability and Project Management
Develop project plans, track progress, and manage risks, while maintaining accountability through stakeholder engagement, reporting, and action tracking.
Key Components
Comprehensive Meeting Facilitation
Prepare agendas and materials to guide discussions and decision-making. Provide detailed reports summarizing key decisions, assigned action items, and next steps to ensure clarity and progress.
Communication Framework
Act as a liaison between the stakeholders to ensure timely updates and accurate dissemination of critical decisions and project progress.
Design and Development of Processes
Coordinate the design and development of transparent processes, including an RFP and a scoring matrix, to fund impactful projects aligned with regional goals.
Event Coordination and Marketing
Plan and execute key events, including the California Jobs First Summit and the Catalyst Phase Kickoff Webinar, including program design, logistics, marketing assets, and event-day coordination.
Resource and Translation Management
Oversee documents for accessibility and project alignment while facilitating accurate Spanish translations for meetings, materials, and communications.
Why This Matters
The California Jobs First Initiative addresses critical workforce and economic challenges by fostering collaboration, equity, and innovation in Kern County. By creating family-sustaining jobs, streamlining project execution, and ensuring inclusivity, the initiative strengthens regional partnerships and drives sustainable growth. It not only prepares individuals for meaningful careers but also lays the foundation for long-term economic resilience and community development.
