Institute for Work & the Economy
A policy and research collaborative in workforce and economic development
About the Institute …
The Institute for Work and the Economy is an independent, not-for-profit, nonpartisan policy collaborative that connects workforce development and personal and collective economic achievement. It is directed by a national board of directors comprised of experts in all related fields.
Our vision is for a thriving and inclusive economy that prioritizes workers and fosters shared prosperity. This is backed by our mission to serve as a conduit for innovative workforce strategies and policies that foster economic security, equity, and opportunity for all workers.
We define ourselves by these values:
Agency: Championing the voice and empowerment of all workers.
Diversity: Leveraging varied perspectives to create innovative solutions.
Collaboration: Building partnerships that drive systemic, meaningful change.
Innovation: Developing forward-thinking approaches to workforce development.
Visibility: Elevating the stories and contributions of workers at all levels.
Sustainability: Focusing on long-term, impactful outcomes for workers and communities.
The Institute is staffed full-time by its President and Executive Director and involves a network of fellows from workforce and economic development. Our design is to work in multi-institutional collaborations on all projects. Consequently, we maintain only a core staff to cover business operations.
The Institute was incorporated in the State of Illinois in August 2000. Although institutionally separate, it first was housed in the Center for Governmental Studies at Northern Illinois University. The Institute became a standalone operation in 2007.
The Institute is tax-exempt pursuant to section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.