Center of Workforce Innovations

What Center of Workforce Innovations does

Center of Workforce Innovations (CWI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development intermediary founded in 1999 and headquartered in Gary, Indiana. The organization serves as the staff and operational backbone for the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, administering the regional WorkOne one-stop system across nine centers in seven counties and overseeing a portfolio of community-based adult learning centers now branded as Grad219. CWI connects job seekers, employers, educators, and community organizations, with primary service segments including at-risk high school students (via 22 JAG programs achieving a 95% graduation rate), adult learners seeking HSE credentials and English Language Learning, regional employers seeking talent pipelines, and workforce development boards and government agencies.

The organization delivers services across a portfolio of programs: WorkOne Northwest Indiana career centers, Adult Learning Centers (Grad219), the READY NWI cross-sector youth pipeline initiative engaging 30 K-12 systems and 7 colleges, Work B.I.G. paid skills training in Gary, the NWI Organic Vegetable Farm Worker Apprenticeship (a U.S. Department of Labor-approved program), Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities, the Fast Track to Top Jobs Bootcamp, and the 320,000-square-foot Elston Opportunity Hub in Michigan City operating through the NWI Works collaborative. CWI also publishes biannual State of the Workforce Reports and offers workforce consulting services nationally across more than 35 states.

Revenue is derived from three streams: federal WIOA Title 1 workforce development funding and state grants from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and Department of Education; fee-for-service consulting engagements with workforce boards, educational institutions, and economic development organizations; and donations and foundation grants. Services to job seekers and most employer-facing services are provided at no cost to participants. CWI has administered more than 40 public and private ventures over a 25-year history and is led by President & CEO Lisa Daugherty (appointed January 2021), with a senior team spanning finance, strategic innovation, adult education, READY NWI, marketing and communications, JAG, and business consulting.

Name

Center of Workforce Innovations

Legal name

Center of Workforce Innovations

Website

https://cwicorp.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1999

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Center of Workforce Innovations is a 501(c)(3) workforce development intermediary based in Gary, Indiana that operates nine WorkOne career centers and multiple programs serving job seekers, at-risk youth, adult learners, employers, and workforce boards across Northwest Indiana and via national consulting.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Career & Technical Education (CTE) Centers & Programs (EDAJAAAJ), Workplace-Based ASE & Employer-Sponsored High School Equivalency (EDAAABAN)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Adult education training
• Career coaching programs
• Apprenticeship and job training
• Workforce consulting services

Headquarters

HQ city

Gary

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices10 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and WIOA Funding: CWI operates as a WIOA Title 1 funded program, receiving federal workforce development grants to administer workforce programs including adult education, youth programs, and career services. Funding comes from Department of Workforce Development, Department of Education, and other government sources.
2. Consulting Services: CWI provides fee-for-service consulting to workforce development boards, educational institutions, and economic development organizations across more than 35 states. Revenue comes from consulting fees for strategic planning, grant writing, and workforce system development services.
3. Donations and Foundation Grants: CWI receives support from foundations, community donors, and corporate partners to supplement government funding. The organization is seeking a comprehensive fundraising plan to ensure long-term sustainability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CWI is a mission-driven nonprofit workforce intermediary that delivers no-cost career services through nine WorkOne one-stop centers, Adult Learning Centers offering HSE/GED and English Language Learning, youth programs (JAG, READY NWI, Bridging the Gap), apprenticeships (Work B.I.G., Organic Vegetable Farm Worker), and the Elston Opportunity Hub. It also convenes regional stakeholders and sells workforce consulting services nationally to workforce boards, educational institutions, and economic development organizations across 35+ states.

Product overview

Center of Workforce Innovations is a mission-driven nonprofit workforce development organization that operates as a multi-management intermediary across Northwest Indiana's seven-county region. Rather than a single software product, CWI offers a portfolio of workforce development services and programs including: Adult Learning Centers providing free basic education, HSE preparation, and job certifications; WorkOne one-stop career center oversight; the READY NWI youth career development initiative; Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) high school success program; Work B.I.G. blight remediation training; Organic Vegetable Farm Worker Apprenticeship; and the NWI Works Opportunity Hub integrating training, education, and wraparound services. The organization also publishes State of the Workforce Reports and offers workforce consulting services to other organizations nationally. Together, these services connect job seekers to skills, credentials, and careers while meeting employer talent needs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• WorkOne Northwest Indiana: Regional one-stop system providing no-cost career and employment assistance for job seekers, employers, and young adults across nine centers.
• READY NWI
• Adult Learning Centers
• Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)
• Work B.I.G.
• NWI Organic Vegetable Farm Worker Apprenticeship
• Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities
• Grad219
• NWI Works
• NWI Works Opportunity Hub

Products and services

• WorkOne Northwest Indiana No-cost regional one-stop system providing career and employment assistance for job seekers, employers, and young adults across nine WorkOne centers in Northwest Indiana. Services include career counseling, job search assistance, resume building, skills training, and employer recruitment support.
• Adult Learning Centers (Grad219) Community-based learning centers offering free classes including basic education, high school equivalency (HSE/GED) preparation, college entrance preparation, English Language Learning, entry-level certifications, and online training for careers such as CNA, MedCerts, and ParaPro.
• READY NWI (Regional Education and Employer Alliance for Developing Youth) Collaborative platform connecting employers, K-12 educators, post-secondary institutions, and economic development professionals to expose youth to career opportunities and develop a pipeline of students for employer demand. Targets 60% of workforce with post-high school credential by 2025.
• Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Program helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging life experiences achieve success through graduation, with adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. Operates 22 JAG programs in Northwest Indiana schools.
• Work B.I.G. (Beauty In Gary) 16-week paid skills training program at $15/hour, 26 hours/week, providing hands-on training in urban blight removal and neighborhood revitalization for Gary residents, with pathways into multiple high-demand industries.
• NWI Organic Vegetable Farm Worker Apprenticeship One-year U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship program providing hands-on training and educational opportunities in sustainable organic vegetable farming at five participating local farms.
• Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities Career champion framework helping 11th and 12th grade students achieve key milestones through career and college readiness activities organized in three buckets: Explore, Engage, Experience.
• NWI Works Opportunity Hub (Elston Opportunity Hub) 320,000-square-foot facility at the former Elston High School in Michigan City integrating career-readiness programs, educational workshops, hands-on training, and community services to connect job seekers with employers; targets 1,200-1,600 trainees in startup phase.
• Fast Track to Top Jobs Bootcamp Four-week intensive workforce readiness bootcamp developing employability skills including work ethic, communication, teamwork, and professional behavior through simulated workplace scenarios and employer interactions.
• State of the Workforce Reports Biannual reports collecting demographic, wage, and education data from every county in Northwest Indiana, along with expert analysis of workforce trends and economic impacts.
• Workforce Consulting Services Consulting and project management services including strategic plan development, grant proposal writing, labor market research, industry sector partnership establishment, and One Stop operations advisement. Delivered to workforce development boards, educational institutions, and economic development organizations across 35+ states.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% graduation rate for JAG program participants
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

34 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• NWI WorkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNWI Works is a collaborative workforce development initiative representing regional not-for-profit institutions including CWI, Goodwill of Michiana, United Way NWI, Ivy Tech Community College, Regional Care Group, CoAction, and Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. CWI serves on the board and leads workforce development initiatives through this partnership. The collaboration focuses on creating opportunity hubs that connect residents to training, education, supportive services, and employment opportunities.
• Northwest Indiana Workforce BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCWI serves as staff to the Northwest Indiana Workforce Board, providing administrative support, workforce planning, and program oversight for the regional workforce system.
• Ready NWI (Regional Education and Employer Alliance for Developing Youth)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerREADY NWI is a collaborative platform developing a pipeline of high school and college students for employer demand. Engages 30 public K-12 school systems, 7 colleges/universities, and the economic development and employer community. Contributing to the 'Big Goal' of 60% of workforce with post-high school credential by 2025.
• Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCWI administers the JAG program in Northwest Indiana, helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging life experiences achieve success through graduation. Currently operates 22 JAG programs with approximately 95% graduation rate.
• Northwest Indiana Food CouncilsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to launch NWI Organic Vegetable Farm Worker Apprenticeship, the first of its kind in the region. Approved project of Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) through NWI Forum, with U.S. Department of Labor approval.
• Construction Advancement Foundation (CAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term partnership hosting annual Construction & Skilled Trades Days since 2017. Events introduce students to careers in up to 19 skilled trades through live demonstrations and expert guidance from apprentices, trainers, and tradespeople.
• Michigan City Area SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to repurpose former Elston High School into the Elston Opportunity Hub. MCAS retains ownership while NWI Works master leases space to provide workforce training, career readiness programs, and community services.
• Porter County Community FoundationsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvestor in Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities program helping expand access to meaningful college-and-career pathways for area learners in Porter County.
• Greater Portage Chamber of CommercesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint partnership in Bridging the Gap initiative to strengthen connections among schools, families, and community partners in Porter County.
• Portage Township SchoolssecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Bridging the Gap: Pathways to Possibilities initiative providing end-to-end support for students exploring careers and futures.
• Goodwill of MichianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NWI Works collaborative, opening space at Elston Opportunity Hub to provide workforce and community services alongside CWI and other partners.
• United Way Northwest IndianacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnchor partner in NWI Works collaborative workforce development initiative, bringing resources and community connections to opportunity hub network.
• Ivy Tech Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnchor partner in NWI Works and collaborator on Elston Opportunity Hub. Also partnered on Work B.I.G. program and provides college success courses at Lake and Porter county campuses.
• Regional Care GroupsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NWI Works collaborative, providing wraparound support services as part of the opportunity hub ecosystem.
• Food Bank of Northwest IndianasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NWI Works collaborative, providing food security support as part of wraparound services for hub participants.
• CoActionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in NWI Works collaborative, serving as thought leader and wraparound support provider in the opportunity hub model.
• Midwest Urban StrategiessecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational workforce development organization that convenes workforce leaders annually. CWI hosted the 2026 Annual Convening 'WorkforceWorks!! – The Urban Rural Connection' in Northwest Indiana.
• Department of Workforce Development (Indiana)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency providing WIOA funding and oversight for workforce programs administered by CWI, including WorkOne operations and adult education.
• Department of Education (Federal/State)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal and state education department funding supporting adult education programs and services at CWI's Adult Learning Centers.
• City of GarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMayor Eddie Melton initiated Work B.I.G. (Beauty In Gary) program. City partners with CWI on blight elimination and neighborhood revitalization through paid skills training.
• Ports of IndianasecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in showcasing Northwest Indiana's trade and logistics strengths to international delegations, highlighting workforce development alignment with economic growth.
• Northwest Indiana ForumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization partnering on workforce initiatives, READI grant initiatives, and international trade showcases. Heather Ennis serves as President & CEO.
• Purdue University ExtensionsecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in farm worker apprenticeship program, providing small farm conferences, equipment demos, and Pinney Purdue Vegetable Field Day access.
• READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState initiative funding opportunity hubs and workforce development projects. CWI received READI funding for Elston Opportunity Hub and farm worker apprenticeship program.
• South Central Kentucky Workforce Development BoardsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting client for workforce development planning and strategy services.
• Pennsylvania Workforce Development BoardssecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting client for workforce development consulting services.
• Workforce Development Board of Central OhiosecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting client for workforce development consulting services.
• National Association of Workforce BoardssecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner organization for workforce board development consulting and technical support.
• Indiana Department of EducationsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerState education department partnership for workforce and education alignment initiatives.
• Indiana Department of Workforce DevelopmentsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerState workforce agency partnership for workforce system development and consulting.
• Northampton Community CollegesecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting client for workforce and education programming.
• Workforce Solutions Capital AreasecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting client for workforce development services.
• Community Workforce Advancements, LLCsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting partner organization collaborating on workforce solutions.
• Real WorkForce Solutions, LLCsecondaryImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerConsulting partner organization collaborating on workforce solutions.

Scale indicators17 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Goodwill of Michiana is a core NWI Works partner with CWI and operates similar workforce training, adult education, and job placement services nationwide. Goodwill is a broader incumbent with overlapping programs (job training, career counseling, adult education) at greater scale and brand recognition.
• Jobs for the Future: JFF is a national nonprofit driving workforce transformation through research, policy, and program implementation. Comparable to CWI as a peer in the workforce intermediary ecosystem, with overlapping focus on employer-aligned training, apprenticeship, and youth pathways.

Direct peers

• Per Scholas: Per Scholas provides tuition-free technology and professional skills training with employer connections for underemployed adults. Comparable to CWI's Adult Learning Centers and employer-aligned training programs in target population and no-cost model.
• Year Up: Year Up provides workforce training, career coaching, and employer connections for young adults, particularly those facing barriers to employment. Comparable to CWI's JAG and READY NWI youth programs in mission, model, and target population.
• Easterseals: Easterseals provides workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and adult education services for individuals facing barriers to employment. Comparable mission and target population to CWI's adult learning and barriered job seeker programs.
• National Fund for Workforce Solutions: National Fund supports regional workforce collaboratives that connect employers, training providers, and job seekers - directly analogous to CWI's role as a workforce intermediary and convener across Northwest Indiana.
• Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership: Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership operates a similar regional one-stop system, WIOA-funded career services, and employer-aligned training in the Chicago metro area. Directly comparable as a regional workforce development board operator.
• Ivy Tech Community College: Ivy Tech is both a core CWI partner (NWI Works, Elston Hub, Work B.I.G.) and a peer in adult education, workforce credentials, and college-success courses across Indiana. Comparable operating model for adult learners and employer-aligned training.
• Midwest Urban Strategies: Midwest Urban Strategies convenes urban workforce leaders nationally and partnered with CWI on the 2026 Annual Convening. Comparable as a peer workforce intermediary operating in similar geographies and convening similar stakeholders.

Others

• National Skills Coalition: National Skills Coalition advocates for federal policies supporting skill development and workforce partnerships. Comparable as a sector participant but operates primarily in policy/advocacy rather than direct service delivery like CWI.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/cwicorp
• Xx.com/cwi_corp
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/innovativeworkforce

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Center of Workforce Innovations