1A supports efforts to expand the labor pool by tapping into underserved populations. These efforts have included participation in Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation cohort programs, as well as studies conducted for a Gulf Coast Chambers Network (GCCN) planning grant through the EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program.
ACCE Foundation Cohorts
Through the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Foundation, 1A’s Dr. Maggi Bienvenu participated in two national cohorts focused on how chambers can better support underserved learners.
- Economic Mobility for Rural Workers Cohort
This cohort of 11 chamber of commerce professionals from across the country offered technical assistance, consulting support, peer learning opportunities, and connections to content experts to provide rural learners with training and pathways to access well-paid employment without relocating. - Equitable Credential Attainment Cohort
Through this second ACCE Foundation cohort, 1A is partnering with Beacon Community Connections, SoLAcc, and the Master’s Guild of Acadiana to support credential attainment for justice-involved individuals.
GCCN Planning Grant
One Acadiana joined with the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce and four other chambers from Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama as the Gulf Coast Chambers Network (GCCN) to apply for the U.S. EDA’s Recompete Pilot Program. The Recompete program targeted areas where prime-age (25-54 years) employment significantly trails the national average, with the goal of closing this gap.
Out of more than 500 applications, the GCCN was selected as one of 22 finalists for the highly competitive Recompete program. Though the GCCN did not ultimately receive an implementation grant award, we did receive a Strategy Development Grant to support further planning and coordination.
The Strategy Development Grant funded three studies, linked below, to inform strategies for connecting unemployed and underemployed workers with training and jobs:
Contact
Maggi Bienvenu, Ed.D.
Director, Business & Education Connections
Maggi@OneAcadiana.org
337-408-3671