Back by popular demand, the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University will host the Fall 2025 Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative (SWLI) Oct. 28-31 at the James B. Hunt Jr. Library on Centennial Campus. This comprehensive professional development program is designed to equip workforce and economic development leaders with the skills and strategic foresight needed to capitalize on emerging opportunities. 

Leaders engaged in workforce development, economic development and other professions focused on workforce strategies are encouraged to apply.

SWLI prepares participants to be effective workforce board members, strategic workforce planners, economic developers, educational leaders, employer consultants and more. Graduates will join more than 45 leaders from across the state who have earned the professional designation of Strategic Workforce Leader (SWL), issued by the Workforce Leadership Institute, and leave the program ready to create impactful initiatives that will benefit communities for years to come.

“Participating in the Strategic Workforce Leadership Initiative at NC State was an incredibly rewarding experience. The program was thoughtfully designed, blending strategic insights with practical tools that I can immediately apply in my role.”

– Sonja Godsey, North Carolina Department of Commerce, Spring 2025 cohort member

Sessions are led by regional and national experts in workforce and economic development. Focus areas include: 

• Understanding how economists evaluate talent issues
• Developing strategies to build a skilled workforce system
• Navigating the public policy process and its impact on workforce and education initiatives
• Exploring federal, state and alternative funding sources for skill development
• Analyzing workforce data sets and broader metrics
• Identifying the dynamics of community action and the role of formal boards and task forces

Secure Your Spot

This program is limited to 25 participants. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis through Sept. 26, 2025, or until all spots are filled. The program fee is $499.