KentuckianaWorks recognizes that decades of unfair civic, housing, and workforce policy have created systemic inequities for African American job seekers. As a result, our economy suffers from wage disparities and occupational segregation.
With this in mind, we have made promoting racial equity a foundational pillar of our organization’s Values and strategic priorities. By promoting racial equity, we mean confronting the workforce barriers that exist for Black workers in the Louisville region so that race does not negatively impact their career opportunities or success.
Disparities at a Glance
The deficits in economic resources and opportunities available for Black Americans compared to other groups is well-documented. You can see in the charts below that, even when adjusting for education and training levels, significant disparities persist between Black and white residents of the Louisville region.
Black workers are also underrepresented across a number of high wage sectors, including engineering, technology, and finance. The chart below shows the glaring deficit of Black workers in these sectors in the Louisville region.
Workforce Inclusion Strategies
KentuckianaWorks is investing in a variety of resources meant to advance racial equity in our local workforce and help more people find good careers. You can learn more about them below.
Generation Work
Supporting area youth-serving organizations and employers to be more responsive to the needs of young adults of color by prioritizing worker voice, positive youth development and racial equity principles.
Initiative active until December 2024
Disparity addressed: Black workers are overrepresented in low-wage roles.
Local Partners: Coalition Supporting Young Adults, Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Metro United Way, YouthBuild Louisville
Upskilling Refugee Workers
Our refugee employer engagement program (reep) is designed to help empower refugees and better integrate them into their workplaces at partner organizations.
Initiative active through September 2026
Disparity addressed: Inequitable access to good jobs
Local Partner: Jewish Family & Career Services
Research and News
Spotlight on Job Quality
Labor Day is celebrated to recognize the “social and economic achievements of American workers.” So in celebration of the American worker, and those within the Louisville region in particular, this post will cover job quality. As stated in the KentuckianaWorks mission, dignified work is that which satisfies needs, creates value, and inspires hope. Read more >>
1-in-8 of Louisville's young people were disconnected from work and school in 2022
Youth disconnection is both serious and costly for young people and society itself. The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center works directly with the region’s opportunity youth. Read More >>
The importance of immigrants to the region's labor force
Within the context of the current labor shortage, the role of immigrants as a key supply of talent should not be overlooked. Within the Louisville region, more than 60% of the region’s immigrants are in their prime working years. This is reflected in the labor force participation rate among immigrants, which is nine percentage points higher than the labor force participation rate for the region’s native born. Read More >>
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Want to tell us something?
KentuckianaWorks recognizes that there are many more aspects of inclusion than race alone. Each of the workforce readiness programs we fund strive to provide equal and just access to job seekers.
Has that been your experience with the local workforce system? We would like to hear your feedback, positive or negative, so we can address concerns and make improvements.
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