Benchmarks of Success for Maryland’s Workforce System

As Maryland seeks to strengthen and enhance its workforce system through implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plan, success requires a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a true systems approach among the State’s many workforce partners. In order to guide the WIOA Partners in this work, this document sets forth a clear vision, goals, and measureable achievements that help define success and lay the core foundation of this new system. In keeping with Maryland’s commitment to place “people before performance,” these goals and corresponding benchmarks are focused around a central vision of increasing the earning capacity of Marylanders by maximizing access to employment, skills and credentialing, life management skills, and supportive services.

These goals and benchmarks are not mere measures but rather provide a way of thinking systematically about how we deliver services. They reflect Maryland’s dedication to focusing its efforts on people who need the system’s assistance the most. The 5 strategic goals and coinciding benchmarks outlined in this document intentionally set a high bar and are meant to be used as a leadership tool, guiding strategic conversations and defining a set of achievements for the workforce system to commit to and strive toward in our collective work to improve the lives of Marylanders.