Helping Communities Shine

Whether researching and implementing ways to shape a community's economic development plan or partnering to create ways to put people to work, CREC connects researchers and policymakers with:

     • Data training
     • Custom portfolios that aid regional competitiveness

Project Profile

Making Youth Employment Work

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF)
Start Date: Oct 2015 — End Date: Dec 2016

CREC offered quantitative analysis and targeted technical assistance expertise in support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in its Youth Employment Network pilot initiative. The initiative seeks to support two state and three local chambers in planning and pilot-testing effective youth employment programs by building a network of organizations dedicated to developing asset maps, strategic plans, placement tools, and case studies to implement and promote work-based learning and employment practices. CREC initiated the project by leading a kick-off meeting, which included a session on asset mapping, at the Youth Employment Network meeting in November 2015. Throughout the project, CREC facilitated the development of data analytic reports for each of the five chambers of commerce in the Foundation’s Youth Employment Network, many of which will include key demographic information, data on industry trends, and commentary on existing assets and challenges. CREC is also assisting in the development of a strategic plan for each of the five chambers of commerce. The plans are designed as action-oriented documents that include a brief overview of what was learned from the asset mapping exercise, an explanation of the role of the chamber within the initiative, implementation activities, available resources, and a communications plan.

CREC has demonstrated a commitment to fostering youth employment through the creation of asset maps, placement tools, and case studies. The comprehensive data analytics reports provided for each chamber not only offer valuable demographic information and industry trends but also serve as a foundation for informed decision-making in the development of impactful youth employment programs.

As organizations increasingly recognize the importance of DE&I goals (diversity, equity, and inclusion) in their workforce strategies, initiatives like the Youth Employment Network play a pivotal role in creating opportunities for underrepresented youth. Through tailored strategic plans, these chambers of commerce are well-positioned to align their efforts with DE&I goals, ensuring that youth employment programs are not only effective but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. The emphasis on action-oriented documents, resources, and communication plans underscores a commitment to translating insights into tangible outcomes, further reinforcing the positive impact of this collaborative initiative on employee engagement and community development.

Research & PlanningTechnical Assistance

About the Client

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF)

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a nonprofit affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce dedicated to strengthening America’s long-term competitiveness and educating the public on how the Free Enterprise system improves society and the economy.