National Work Readiness Council

Introduction

The National Work Readiness Council (NWRC) is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on workforce development, training, and advocacy. Founded in 2003 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, along with state workforce agencies in New York, New Jersey, Florida, Washington, Rhode Island, and the District of Columbia, it was officially incorporated in 2007[1][2].

Mission and Activities

The NWRC's primary mission is to identify and promote foundational skills required for entry-level employment. It collaborates with employers, chambers of commerce, unions, educators, and other stakeholders to define career readiness standards. These standards are informed by research from organizations like the U.S. Department of Labor and the National Institute for Literacy[1].

National Work Readiness Credential

One of the key initiatives of the NWRC is the National Work Readiness Credential (NWRC), a standardized assessment tool designed to measure readiness for entry-level jobs. To obtain this credential, individuals must pass four proctored assessments focusing on skills such as applied math, reading, listening, and situational judgment. These assessments evaluate skills like professionalism, effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving[2][3].

Partnerships and Impact

The NWRC partners with organizations such as WIN Learning to provide comprehensive online curricula supporting skill development and preparation for the credential assessments. This partnership helps participants prepare for employment and post-secondary education, providing employers with a reliable measure of job readiness. The NWRC is implemented in numerous states across the U.S., through high schools, adult education programs, and community-based workforce development organizations[2][3].

Financial Overview

The NWRC operates as a nonprofit, with activities focused on advancing career readiness nationwide. Financially, the organization generates revenues and manages expenses typical of a charity focused on educational and workforce development initiatives[4].

Tax Status

Donations to the National Work Readiness Council are tax-deductible, aiding in its mission to support workforce readiness across America[4].