Passed by the legislature in 2022, Future Ready Oregon was designed to address the economic challenges brought on by the pandemic, with a focus on supporting populations facing employment barriers. In the Portland metro region, those investments allowed Worksystems and our partners to support thousands of jobseekers, launch innovative programs, and respond quickly to emerging workforce needs.

Worksystems received funding in three areas: Workforce Benefits Navigators, Workforce Ready Grants, and Prosperity 10,000 (P10K).

Together, these investments helped connect people to career coaching, scholarships, stipends, and support services that led to quality jobs in healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and more.

Meeting People Where They Are

Workforce Benefits Navigator staff worked directly in communities rather than waiting for people to come to a WorkSource Portland Metro center. They attend events, partner with libraries, support layoff transition activities, and help recruit participants for direct-hire training programs in fields such as early childhood education, behavioral health, semiconductor manufacturing, banking, healthcare, and clean energy.

Thanks to the grant, Workforce Benefit Navigators supported more than 400 community members, and nearly 150 participants secured employment, earning an average wage of $21.43 per hour.

Opening Doors to In-Demand Careers

Worksystems received two Workforce Ready Grants to support the innovative Quick Start to Semiconductor program, a customized training that breaks down barriers to entry-level semiconductor jobs. This 10-day “boot camp” is the first of its kind in Oregon and the most successful model nationally at creating access to entry-level semiconductor jobs.

Since its launch in 2022, nearly 680 job seekers have engaged in semiconductor training; 75% identify as BIPOC or female. Nearly 60% of graduates obtained employment in the semiconductor industry,* earning an average wage of $22.89 per hour.

*Employment rate was closer to 70% until the industry started to slow in 2025

A Proven Investment for Expanding Opportunity

Prosperity 10,000 (P10K) gave local workforce boards the flexibility to rapidly expand services and meet community needs. Across the Portland metro region, P10K supported career coaching, scholarships, paid work experiences, stipends, support services, and new partnerships designed to reduce barriers to employment.

Since 2022, More than 2,500 participants have been served through P10K.

Outcomes exceeded state performance goals, and participants who secured employment are earning an average wage of $21.76 per hour.

PERFORMANCE GOALS:

Learn more about the impact of Future Ready Oregon and P10K HERE.

Looking Ahead

P10K funding concluded on June 30, 2026, but the need for these services has not. In March 2026, lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1512, establishing a framework for continuing Prosperity Programs. While the policy remains in place, dedicated funding was not included.

Statewide, P10K served more than 12,000 Oregonians, connected more than 6,200 people to employment, and generated an estimated $106.4 million in annual earnings. A new analysis conducted by the Oregon Workforce Partnership (OWP) estimates that every dollar invested returns approximately $5.30 to the state’s economy through increased earnings and tax revenue alone.

Those results reinforce that workforce development is an investment in Oregon’s economic future. Strong workforce participation helps businesses grow, strengthens communities, and contributes to the tax base that funds public services. As workforce challenges continue to evolve, the lessons of P10K demonstrate the value of sustained investment in the people and systems that help Oregonians succeed.

OWP, on behalf of local workforce boards, is working with legislators across the state to advocate for funding that builds on the success of P10K so we can continue to connect more people to opportunity, help employers find talent, and, create a more prosperous Oregon for everyone.