NGIN Partners with RTI to Support 22 Communities Through EDA Recompete Initiative
New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) is partnering with RTI International, an independent scientific research institute, to support the development and delivery of a national community of practice for six Phase 2 grantees and 16 Phase 1 finalists participating in the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Recompete Pilot Program. The initiative supports communities across the U.S. working to increase employment and create good-paying jobs, particularly in regions with persistently high unemployment rates among people ages 25 to 54.
RTI is leading the development and implementation of the community of practice, providing technical assistance, fostering collaboration among grantees, and creating opportunities for peer learning to support coalitions as they implement strategies to reduce barriers to workforce participation.
As a subawardee, we are contributing expertise in capacity building, technical assistance, and supporting communities in accessing and deploying resources effectively. NGIN brings experience working on federally funded initiatives, including prior work supported by the EDA through the Economic Partnership Alliance.
“This work is about amplifying and accelerating the efforts happening across Recompete coalitions nationwide,” said Jessica Wilkinson, lead for the Recompete community of practice. “Because these coalitions are tackling similar challenges in very different parts of the country, having a space to share lessons learned and brainstorm solutions together is incredibly powerful. By connecting grantees from across the U.S., they can better learn from one another, strengthen their strategies, and ultimately accelerate their impact in increasing employment in their regions.”
The Community of Practice will serve 22 coalitions across the U.S., including Tribal nations in Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, rural Appalachian counties, Gulf Coast regions, and cities across the Midwest, Northeast, and South.
The Community of Practice emphasizes technical assistance and peer learning in areas such as workforce development, data collection and analysis, project management, job support strategies, coalition building and governance, and employer engagement to reduce barriers to employment.
