Strong NCRC participation is essential for earning or maintaining WRC status and it gives leaders the insight they need to shape policy, support industry needs, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
States are putting WRC status to work
With 31 states plus Guam developing ACT Work Ready Communities, students, educators, workforce development agencies, schools and employers are seeing real growth in the communities in which they live and work. Whether a state has developed many WRCs or is just starting out with one county, assessing workforce skills is boosting local economies.
New York: Oswego County is setting the standard as New York’s first certified WRC
Oswego County Workforce New York holds two free NCRC test sessions a month and provides free prep materials. With over 7,500 NCRCs already earned, this credential boosts Oswego County’s WRC status, helping develop a skilled local workforce. The WRC designation is drawing new businesses in clean energy, construction, and manufacturing, supporting employers with skilled, qualified workers.
WRC in action:
- Rachel Pierce, Oswego County workforce director, showcased their WRC certification and what it means to the community on the TalkCNY by Centerstate podcast.
- The Genesee Valley Board of Cooperative Educational Services has opened a testing center to help school districts and workforce development partners access ACT WorkKeys NCRC assessments as their participation in the WRC program grows. Over 100 businesses in Genesee County have already signed up as NCRC supporters.
- The Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce Employer Playbook features ACT Work Ready Communities to highlight the progress the Greater Rochester region is making to become certified, and how the community at large will benefit.
Arkansas: Regional collaboration in action
More than half of Arkansas communities participate in WRC initiatives, and in 2022, the Southeast Arkansas Economic Development District of 10 counties became the state’s first work ready region.
Statewide, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission invests in WorkKeys Job Profiling to support businesses statewide. With over 130,000 NCRCs earned, the credential is widely available through workforce centers, high schools, and colleges.
WRC in action:
- Texarkana College and the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce integrate WorkKeys curriculum into workforce programs to prepare students for NCRC success.
- The Delta Regional Authority invested nearly $1 million in workforce projects at Arkansas Northeastern College, Black River Technical College, and the Center on Rural Innovation — boosting training capacity and NCRC participation.
- As an ACT WorkKeys NCRC authorized testing center, Southeast Arkansas College supports communities in achieving ACT Work Ready Community status and students in earning job skill certifications. Additionally, the college collaborates with local employers by aligning job profiles with NCRC levels, ensuring the availability of a qualified and skilled workforce for training and employment opportunities.
Louisiana: A national leader in work readiness
Louisiana stands out with 54% of its communities participating in WRC achievement, including over 315,000 NCRCs earned, and 1,200 employers supporting the program. With one of the highest numbers of NCRC earners, the state actively ensures that they strengthen their communities as they strive to meet their WRC goals.
WRC in action:
- Shintech Louisiana, LLC donated nearly $11,000 to River Parishes Community College to expand access to WorkKeys testing.
- MMR, the nation’s largest open-shop electrical contractor, is investing $55.2 million in a new Lafayette Parish facility, bringing 500+ jobs — and Louisiana’s WRCs are prepared with certified talent.
- Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College was named a top vocational school for 2025 by USA Today, with strong outcomes supported in part by its use of the WorkKeys NCRC.
The bottom line
When communities, educators, and employers unite to build and certify a skilled workforce, both people and economies thrive. That’s the power of ACT Work Ready Communities.
And the momentum is growing:
WRCs represent the future of workforce development - where education, industry, and policy unite to create opportunity, strengthen local economies, and prepare workers for the jobs of today and tomorrow.