Celebrating 20 Years of Workforce Development Month
Since 2005, NAWDP has proudly led the celebration of Workforce Development Month—honoring the vital contributions of workforce professionals who empower individuals, strengthen communities, and drive economic growth.
NAWDP’s Leadership Academy
NAWDP’s Leadership Academy empowers emerging and established leaders in workforce development to grow their impact, strengthen their leadership skills, and drive innovation in the field. Applications for the next cohort open in October—don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your leadership journey.
New Tools Available to Support Program Transitions
NAWDP has released two new resources to support professionals navigating workforce program changes: the Program Transition Community Guide and Community Guide Transition Matrix.
FEATURED EVENT
NAWDP 26th Annual Youth Symposium
November 17-19, 2025
Empower the next generation—join workforce leaders from across the country at NAWDP’s Youth Symposium to explore innovative strategies, share success stories, and elevate your impact on youth workforce development.
News & Announcements
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NAWDP Celebrates 20 Years of Workforce Development Month
September marks the 20th anniversary of Workforce Development Month, created by NAWDP…
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National Association of Workforce Development Professionals Launches Redesigned Website to Enhance Member Experience
NAWDP launched a redesigned website to better serve workforce professionals. The updated…
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EP12: Cultivating Leaders: Lessons from the NAWDP Leadership Academy
Discover how the NAWDP Leadership Academy is shaping workforce leaders through practical…
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TEGL 03-25: Encouraging the Use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Funding to Help Youth and Adults Develop Artificial Intelligence Skills
TEGL 03-25 (2025) provides guidance to state and local workforce development boards…
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New Federal Plan Highlights Framework for Building the Future Workforce
The U.S. Departments of Labor, Commerce, and Education have released America’s Talent…
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From Uncertainty to Opportunity: A Veteran’s Journey to Lockheed Martin
William Bivens Jr., a disabled veteran unsure of his next steps, took…
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New CWDPs – August 2025
Join us in celebrating August’s newly certified CWDPs!
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New Tools Now Available to Support Program Transitions in Workforce Development
NAWDP has released two new resources to support professionals navigating workforce program…
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Now Accepting Applications: New Professionals Cohort in Workforce Development
Are you or someone on your team new to workforce development? NAWDP’s…
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EP11: Inside NAWDP: Diversity, Growth, and the Future of Workforce Development
Crystal Odom-McKinney shares her journey from case manager to leader, offering insights…
CWDP Certification
Stand out in your field—earn your Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential and showcase your expertise, commitment, and impact.
The Benefits of Membership
Education
Advance your career with exclusive access to trainings, certifications, and learning experiences tailored for workforce professionals.
Resources
Tap into member-only tools, best practices, and insights that support your everyday impact and long-term goals.
Networking
Connect with peers, share insights, and collaborate through NAWDP’s online community, virtual networking, and national events.
Advocacy
Be a voice for the profession—stay informed and help shape policies that impact workforce development.
Earning my Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) credential has not only provided access to valuable training opportunities but also given me the confidence to actively connect with and expand my professional network within the workforce development community. This certification has enhanced my credibility and professional recognition, positioning me as a trusted expert among the clients I serve and strengthening my ability to make a meaningful impact in their career development.
— Wynnie Iga-Lwalanda, ZIL Career Avenue LLC
Earning my CWDP credential provided formal recognition of my experience and expertise, which has enhanced my credibility with both colleagues and business partners. NAWDP continues to be a valuable resource as I lead collaborative workforce initiatives and strive to create lasting impact in my community.
— Dana Sheldon, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
It is my belief that when you can validate the “what you think to be true” with a credential, that you truly are able to do your job better each and every day. This could not be more true for the CWDP. The validation that I received going through this process allows me to be confident in all settings when talking about workforce development.
— Todd Nielsen, Denver Economic Development & Opportunity
A layer of trust is added to prove my expertise in the industry. A Workforce Developer with this credential is one who has proven their willingness to participate in personal and professional development, and they are abreast of industry trends in real-time. My CWDP allows me to proudly display my commitment to my profession.
— Reese Broadnax, SWAPDD, Inc.
I earned my CWDP in 2020 and recently renewed my certification. I decided to earn my because I wanted to expand my knowledge of the workforce system and strengthen my skills in the key areas of business engagement and customer service methodology.
— Janna Taylor, LHRDI
I decided to earn my CWDP in 2015. I thought it was the best way to demonstrate my understanding of the market and the work that I was doing.
— Jason George, Lightcast
Becoming a CWDP has helped establish my place in the workforce development landscape. It has given me access and authority in different circles, and it provides me with more confidence as an advocate for my staff and participants.
— Erica Davis, Gamm, Incorporated
Membership with NAWDP has been instrumental in maintaining awareness of emerging workforce trends, updates, and best practices. The opportunity to attend this year’s virtual conference further enriched an already exceptional professional resource.
— Dr. Nypheteria Clophus
NAWDP membership has been instrumental in my professional growth. The access to high-quality training, timely industry insights, and a national network of peers has helped me stay ahead of emerging workforce trends.
— Dana Sheldon, Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corporation
In a fast-changing environment, having a centralized space dedicated to elevating, informing, and connecting practitioners is essential. Continued education, access to timely and relevant resources, and opportunities to learn from our peers are critical to staying effective and forward-thinking. That’s exactly what NAWDP provides, making it an incredibly valuable resource for our team and the broader workforce development community.
— Ashley Espinoza, Lane Workforce Partnership
Being a member of NAWDP has become essential to my success as a workforce development professional. The training, conferences, and networking has helped me become a stronger leader to my staff and a better support to my participants. I can’t imagine doing this work without a NAWDP membership as reinforcement!
— Erica Davis, Gamm, Incorporated
NAWDP membership has provided numerous invaluable resources, networking opportunities, and professional development opportunities that I would not otherwise have had access to. Experiencing all of these benefits in person at the 2025 NAWDP Conference reinvigorated my passion for the work I do.
— Jenn Adams, State of Missouri
NAWDP has helped me quickly build a foundation in workforce development and connect with a community that’s eager to support and share knowledge.
— Sarah Martino, American Society of Safety Professionals