Aligning Investment. Advancing Talent. Strengthening NEPA.

The NEPA Workforce Funder Collaborative brings philanthropic organizations together to invest in shared workforce priorities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

We support projects, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen connections among workforce development, education, economic development, healthcare, philanthropy, and community systems.

Our role is to strengthen cross-sector collaboration, address strategic gaps, and advance a more aligned regional workforce ecosystem—not to serve as the workforce system’s primary coordinator.

NEPA Has the Building Blocks of a Strong, Growing Economy

People choose to stay, return, and build here, and many organizations are already investing in that future.

Opportunity to Grow

Accessible education, training, and career pathways help residents develop new skills, advance professionally, and build family-sustaining careers close to home.
Meaningful Careers

Strong employers and growing industries offer opportunities for people to contribute their talents, move forward in their careers, and help shape the region’s future.
An Affordable, Connected Place to Live

Welcoming communities, accessible neighborhoods, and a strong quality of life make Northeastern Pennsylvania a place where individuals and families can establish roots and thrive.
A Community That Invests in Its People

Employers, educators, nonprofits, funders, and community leaders are working together to remove barriers, strengthen local talent, and create greater opportunity throughout the region.

A Strong Tradition of Philanthropic Collaboration

When workforce investments are aligned, strong individual efforts gain the reach and momentum needed to scale.

Northeastern Pennsylvania has a proven history of funders coming together to meet critical community needs. From coordinated COVID-19 relief efforts and the regional success of NEPA Gives to collaborative support addressing challenges within our hospitals and healthcare workforce, philanthropy has consistently demonstrated the power of shared action.

This spirit of partnership provides a strong foundation for the NEPA Workforce Funder Collaborative—aligning resources, expertise, and relationships to strengthen our workforce system and create lasting regional impact.

Who We Are

What We’re Building Together in NEPA

Investing in NEPA’s Future—Together

Organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania are already investing in local talent, workforce pathways, supportive services, and community infrastructure. By aligning these efforts, we can expand opportunity, help employers thrive, and ensure more people can build their futures here.

Strengthening NEPA’s Workforce Ecosystem

Across all four investment priorities, the NEPA Workforce Funder Collaborative supports greater alignment among workforce development, education, economic development, healthcare, philanthropy, and community partners.

We invest in projects, partnerships, and initiatives that advance shared regional priorities, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and address strategic workforce gaps.

Our role is to invest in and support strategies that strengthen the regional workforce ecosystem—helping partners accomplish more together while complementing, rather than coordinating, the work of existing workforce organizations.

Healthcare & Care Economy Workforce Pathways

Strengthen healthcare and care economy workforce pathways, partnerships, and talent pipelines to address critical regional workforce shortages while expanding access to high-quality careers.
Workforce Access, Mobility & Economic Opportunity

Support workforce solutions that reduce barriers to employment, training completion, and career advancement, particularly for populations facing persistent workforce participation challenges.
Workforce Innovation, Employer Partnerships & Talent Development

Advance innovative workforce strategies that strengthen employer engagement, enhance talent development systems, and improve connections between education, training, and employment.
Shared Data, Learning & Workforce Intelligence

Strengthen regional workforce intelligence, shared learning, and data-informed decision-making to support strategic investment and long-term workforce planning.