Work Ready Communities Program Modification Recommendations Administration/Operations Criteria Modifications

Basis Steering Committee Evaluation Review Panel Feedback Comments from Certified and Applying Counties Effective Date for Criteria Changes New applications submitted after March 4, 2013 Submittals before March 4, 2013 – take effect with recertification (2 years from date of certification) Effective Date Administrative Changes December 14, 2012

Administrative & Operational Modifications

Modification 1 Applications, instructions and criteria separated into Work Ready Community and Work Ready In Progress. Does not impact criteria or thresholds Makes process more user friendly for applicants Easier for review panel members Separate Applications

Modification 2 Document to describe steps communities should take to start the application process. Content based on lessons learned and best practices. Draft document completed “Getting Started”

Modification 3 Modify logo to reflect uniqueness of Kentucky program Distinguish between our program and ACT, other states Add “Kentucky” to Program Identity

Modification 4 First step will be a Letter of Intent to Participate. Must be submitted no later than 30 days prior to submission of an application. Provide contact information for those working on the application within the county. Letter will be used to offer technical assistance. Track participation across the commonwealth. Letter of Intent

CriteriaModifications

Modification 5 Rate of 15 % selected with the understanding that it could be adjusted. Idea presented but consensus not yet reached: Work Ready Communities: plan to reach 9 % of working age population within three years and 15 % within five years. Work Ready Communities In Progress: plan to reach 9 percent of working age population within three years and 15 % within five years. NCRC Requirements

Modification 6 Percentage of working-age (18-64) adults in a community without a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (e.g., GED®) Present a plan to reduce the percentage of working age adults (18-64) in your county without a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma (e.g., GED®) as based on the American Community Survey by 3% points in three years and 5% in five years. A map listing counties within the commonwealth and their population of adults without a high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma can be found on the Kentucky Adult Education website ( Educational Attainment Requirements

Modification 7 Steering Committee to study and establish requirements: enrollment and/or completion requirements for assure programs recognized by employers assure active delivery Recommendations to be presented to the KWIB for adoption no later than the KWIB’s May 2013 meeting. Requirements for Soft Skills Programs