The overarching objective of Seattle Jobs Initiative's Policy & Research is to increase the number of low-income residents who enter and complete education and training pathways culminating in at least a one-year postsecondary credential and leading to jobs that pay a living wage, offer benefits and advancement.

To achieve this objective, SJI works 5 related areas:

KNOWLEDGE

SJI works to increase the level of knowledge among low-income residents and the agencies serving them of the value of education and training in terms of job market benefits.

ACCESS

SJI works to build the capacity of the workforce system to help low-income residents navigate the community college system as well as the on-ramp and bridge programs that connect to the colleges.

ATTAINMENT

SJI works to research, develop and support effective strategies for increasing the postsecondary attainment rates of low-income students.

OPPORTUNITY

SJI works to ensure education and training pathways are aligned with labor market opportunities by researching and informing the workforce system on which sectors hold the greatest promise for providing middle-wage jobs.

FUNDING & POLICY

SJI works to increase and disseminate knowledge of major funding sources for local workforce development, as well as to define and support policies that further our objectives.

Click the links above to read more about these areas of work.

Click here to view or download SJI's publications.

To read more about Seattle Jobs Initiative’s policy work in general, click here.