Partnership aims to align systems that prepare Americans for in-demand, high-wage careers

 

BURLINGTON, Mass., Aug. 6, 2026 — The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) and 1EdTech announced a strategic partnership to help state workforce agencies meet the growing demands of federal workforce programs and emerging policy requirements by advancing the use of technology that works seamlessly across systems.

Federal investments and initiatives are expanding opportunities for Americans to prepare for in-demand, high-wage careers, creating new responsibilities for state workforce agencies. Workforce Pell, SNAP, and Medicaid work requirements, talent marketplaces, and other workforce initiatives require stronger connections among education, workforce, and human services systems to succeed. This partnership will help agencies build the interoperable digital infrastructure needed to efficiently administer these programs, address critical skills gaps, reduce reporting friction for education and training providers, and promote economic mobility for workers across the country.

"State workforce agencies are at the center of preparing America's workforce for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO. "By partnering with 1EdTech, we are helping states modernize the technology and data infrastructure needed to implement new federal initiatives, reduce administrative burden, and better connect workers with education and employment opportunities that lead to economic mobility."

The collaboration will focus on advancing common standards across the workforce development ecosystem by:

  • Supporting the implementation of federal initiatives through connected systems that replace disconnected technologies and manual processes.
  • Aligning workforce and education data to standardize how skills data is extracted, exchanged, and utilized, strengthening state talent marketplaces and labor market intelligence.
  • Developing procurement guidance that encourages state workforce agencies to require adherence to relevant technology standards and certification programs, helping states invest in technology that supports long-term flexibility and seamless integration.
  • Promoting cross-agency data governance, common definitions, and data exchange so skills and workforce information can move securely and meaningfully between education, workforce, and human services systems.

"Preparing learners and workers for successful careers requires education and workforce systems that can communicate seamlessly," said Emilie Rafal, Senior Director for Ecosystem Development, Workforce Lead. "Together with NASWA, we're helping states adopt the standards and technology foundation needed to scale workforce initiatives, improve collaboration across agencies, and create better outcomes for individuals, employers, and communities."

The partnership reflects both organizations' commitment to helping states build connected, future-ready workforce systems that support economic growth, expand access to education and training, and equip Americans with the skills needed for high-demand, high-wage careers.

As an early initiative under the partnership, NASWA and 1EdTech will host a webinar on September 1 at 12:00 PM ET. It will examine how Workforce Pell, the development of talent marketplaces, and other federal initiatives are increasing the need for interoperable technology and shared data standards across education and workforce systems. Register here.

About 1EdTech

1EdTech® is a global community committed to building an integrated foundation of open standards that make educational technology work better for everyone. Our mission is to reduce complexity, accelerate innovation, and expand possibilities for learners worldwide. Our members represent K-12, primary, secondary, and postsecondary education organizations, workforce and corporate education providers, and technology providers. Together, we create and evolve community-developed technical standards and practices that support learner success throughout the lifelong learning continuum. Our organization gives a voice to all stakeholders working to improve education. 1EdTech hosts the Learning Impact Conference in the United States and Europe, as well as other engagement opportunities to advance the leadership and ideas that shape the future of learning. Visit our website at 1edtech.org.

About NASWA

NASWA is the national organization representing all 50 state workforce agencies, District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. These agencies deliver training, employment, career, business, and wage and hour services, in addition to administering unemployment insurance, veteran reemployment, and labor market information programs. NASWA provides policy expertise, shares promising state practices, and promotes state innovation and leadership in workforce development.