CWDC members implement scores of good programs, devised to upgrade skills and create better, more hireable employees. Here are some of the individual programs that stand out for their contribution to the state workforce:

Youth
Workforce Alliance, South Central Connecticut
Youth@Work is a public-private partnership of the city of new Haven, the New Haven Board of Education, Workforce Alliance, the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and Empower New Haven. The program provides underserved youth, ages 14-19, with enriching year-round and summer employment opportunities, innovative career development activities and essential work readiness skills. The program helps youth prepare for the workforce by connecting them to part-time employment and internship opportunities. The summer program has been a staple in the New Haven community for over 20 years and more than 30,000 youth have enjoyed a summer work-based learning experience since the inception of the program. Youth who receive a summer job get additional and ongoing support and assistance including: training and orientation, workplace literacy, financial literacy and comprehensive evaluation and assessment.

Low-Wage Workers
The WorkPlace, Inc., Southwestern Connecticut
The Academy for Career Advancement gives workers the opportunity to build the essential skills needed to advance into higher-paying jobs within their company, or make a profitable career change, while maintaining their current employment. The Academy is open to any adult over 21 years old who is employed full or part-time in the Southwestern Connecticut region. Skill testing, distance learning options, and an extensive network of community resources give Academy students customized and flexible learning paths. Curriculum is provided by Housatonic Community College, Norwalk Community College, Bridgeport Adult Education, Literacy Volunteers and FSW.

Jobs Funnel
Capital Workforce Partners, Hartford region
The Hartford Construction Jobs Initiative and Jobs Funnel provides employability development and job placement services in construction and hospitality related careers. More than 500 Hartford residents were targeted with recruitment, orientation, assessment and testing services. The Jobs Funnel also provides customer service training and jobs placement in projects such as Adrian's Landing and Charter Oak Marketplace.

High-Wage Job Growth
Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) skills play a pivotal role in the region's long-term economic transformation. Incumbent worker training resources support regional economic development priorities and prove valuable for industries such as advanced manufacturing, pharmaceutical and bio-technology. EWIB also coordinates a program that matches volunteer industry experts in specific STEM topics with high school teachers, bringing academic subjects to life and increasing student interest in STEM coursework.