WDC Impact

Overview

The WDC’s work has a profound impact on the Seattle-King County community by:

  • Increasing family self-sufficiency through employment and skill development;
  • Aligning education, employers and the public workforce system for efficient and effective use of resources;
  • Bringing millions of federal dollars for economic and workforce development to our area; and
  • Ensuring that young people are prepared for lifelong learning and employment success.

The four focus areas of our work are:

WorkSource Seattle-King County
The WDC oversees this network of employment centers and sites. In 2009, WorkSource had almost 121,000 visits, with 93% customer satisfaction.

Youth
Approximately 600 youth are served in WDC-funded year-round programs that focus on academic achievement, work experience and career exploration. Learn more.

Sectors
We bring together employers, educators, economic development, unions and workforce professionals to find solutions to workforce issues in specific industries such as health care, green jobs, and maritime. Learn more.

Think Tank
The WDC is nationally recognized as an innovator in programs and initiatives, such as our award-winning Self-Sufficiency Calculator. Our Reports and Publications share our best practices and research with the community.

WDC Awards

2008-2010 Awards

The WDC’s Health Careers for Youth program was honored with one of five 2009 Governor’s Best Practice Awards for Workforce and Economic Development.

Through the 2008 Anne V. Farrell Leadership Award from the Seattle Foundation, the WDC expanded the Minority Business Youth Alliance, a partnership with King County Superior Court which provides work experience and mentorship for court-involved youth of color.
NPower Seattle honored the WDC’s Statewide Self-Sufficiency Calculator (www.thecalculator.org) with its 2009 Innovation Award.