The Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board is pleased to announce the launch of the Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy for 2025.
The Fresno Academy, launched in partnership with the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program to bring leaders from the Fresno workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects.
The Fresno Academy is a Fellowship program designed to engage local leaders with the tools and collaborative framework necessary to tackle systemic workforce challenges and stimulate economic growth. Academy participants work with leading practitioners throughout the country, are introduced to practical planning tools, and have the rare opportunity to reflect on and strategize about how to apply principles that underlie effective workforce strategies to their local economic and social context.
Graduates of the program join the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, becoming part of a national movement focused on workforce innovation, economic mobility, and equitable access to career opportunities.
ACADEMY GOALS
APPLICATION PROCESS
Please go ahead and indicate your interest as soon as possible by beginning the application; you may continue working on it until the deadline.
Program Fee: Fully funded by the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board.
Applications will be reviewed and approved by members of the Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy Local Advisory Council. All applicants will be notified of the status of their applications by April 15, 2025.
The submission materials include:
OVERVIEW OF ACADEMY ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, April 23, 2025: A Virtual 90-minute orientation
Wednesday, May 14 – Friday, May 16: An opening 3-day retreat (2 overnights)
June 10, July 8, August 12, September 16, October 21: In-Person Tuesday Session
June 12, July 10, August 14, September 18, October 23: Virtual CoLab Thursday Session (half day)
Thursday, August 28: Reception event for supervisors and advisors
Wednesday, September 10: One leadership 360 assessment debrief virtual workshop (half day)
Wednesday, November 5 – Friday, November 7: A closing 3-day retreat (2 overnights)
Wednesday, December 10: Collaborative Learning Lab presentations at an in-person stakeholder event
QUOTES FROM PREVIOUS FELLOWS
“By participating in the Academy, I was able to learn more about the players in our local workforce ecosystem and strengthen my professional network in this area. I was also able to learn and apply systems change concepts through a race equity lens in a way that I had not done before.”
“The academy really helped me think, how we serve our participants is a direct correlation of how we as a system approach the work we do. The academy helped me further realize that as decision makers, we can certainly make a difference, and that we should look at every decision with an equity lens and understand that every decision impacts an individual.”
“What I especially valued was the opportunity to hear different perspectives and opinions on controversial topics in a “safe environment.”
“The relationships made with the other Fellows is invaluable both on a personal and professional level. The diverse and well-rounded representation from the workforce system was an important piece so we could share how the various challenges impacted our areas.”
ABOUT THE FRESNO REGIONAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The mission of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) is to equip individuals with the practical skills needed for today’s job market through hands-on training and job readiness strategies. The FRWDB is a Joint Powers Authority between the City of Fresno and the County of Fresno and is committed to advancing economic opportunities for unemployed and underemployed residents. Key initiatives include our Greater Sierra Forestry Corps (GSFC) program, established in 2019, and our ValleyBuild program, established over a decade ago, which prepares individuals for careers in construction through comprehensive training and support.
ABOUT THE ASPEN INSTITUTE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES PROGRAM
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most important challenges facing the United States and the world.
The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program (EOP) advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. For over 25 years, EOP has focused on expanding individuals’ opportunities to connect to quality work, start businesses, and build economic stability that provides the freedom to pursue opportunity.
CONTACT
If you have questions about the Fresno Workforce Leadership Academy, your eligibility to apply, or the application process, please email: Sandra Vidrio
