The National Governors' Association (NGA) announced a new year-long initiative, detailed in the brief, "America Works: Education and Training for Tomorrow's Jobs." The initiative will concentrate on improvement of the education and workforce training systems, as well as alignment of those systems with the needs of individual State economies.

The Urban Institute released a report discussing the community of the long-term unemployed. Individuals who have been out of work for more than 26 weeks (the long-term unemployed) tend to be less educated and are more likely to be non-white, unmarried, disabled, impoverished, and to have worked previously in the construction industry and construction occupations. The long-term unemployed have much more in common with workers who are newly unemployed and workers who have become discouraged and dropped out of the labor force. This suggests that solutions to long-term unemployment may be effective for other workers who have experienced other forms of labor market distress.

The National Literacy Trust released a report outlining the level of importance young individuals place on literacy skills in regards to their employment prospects. In addition, it briefly outlines the vital role that technology plays in the lives of young individuals and the degree to which this is linked to wider employment skills. A complementary report presents evidence on employers' views on literacy and employability.

This brief from the Transitional Jobs Network highlights a variety of models currently being used to connect homeless individuals with employment. Models highlighted include transitional jobs, individualized placement support, alternative staffing, customized employment, contextualized basic adult education, adult education bridge programs, and sector-based training. Within each model, a program example is provided for readers to better understand how the strategy is being used in the real world.

The National Transitional Jobs Network (NTJN) released a report that focuses on the designing and implementing of transitional jobs (TJ) programs that serve individuals experiencing homelessness. This report is particularly beneficial for TJ practitioners looking to better serve their participants who are experiencing homelessness, homeless service providers considering TJ as a potential employment services model, and anyone interested in how the TJ model can be used to provide access to employment for people experiencing homelessness.

This report from Aspen Institute's Workforce Strategies Initiative discusses the challenges of work in the direct-care, residential construction, restaurant and retail industries. It includes profiles of organizations and describes the strategies they are using to improve job quality in these industries.

Aspen Institute's Workforce Strategies Initiative report highlights the numerous challenges adult learners face as they attempt to enter community college, persist to completing a certificate or degree, and successfully transition to employment. The report also provides various examples on how nonprofit organizations and community colleges have worked together to help adult learners overcome these challenges.

The National Telecommunications & Information Administration released a report based on data from the Census Bureau's July 2011 Current Population Survey (CPS) Computer and Internet Use Supplement. This study presents data collected from 53,000 households, reporting on Americans' online activities from job searching and training to other research. The report shows that widespread Internet use benefits society.

The Center for Law and Social Policy released a Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) Policy Brief discussing SNAP work requirements and time limits. Background information is provided on SNAP, along with recommendations to improve program operations.

MDRC released a new policy brief that discusses a new skills-building model designed to help low-income adults prepare for, enter, and succeed in quality jobs in high-demand fields with opportunities for career growth. WorkAdvance uses strategies found in sector-based employment programs, combined with career coaching after participants are placed into jobs.