Baltimore Region Workforce Leadership Academy

The Baltimore Region Workforce Leadership Academy — launched in partnership by the United Way of Central Maryland and the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program — brings leaders from across the Baltimore workforce ecosystem together for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects.

The Academy provides a forum for local leaders to work collaboratively to identify local and regional systems-based challenges and create shared solutions for economic opportunity for all. Fellows work with leading practitioners throughout the country as they deepen networks; strengthen systems leadership skills; apply race, equity, and systems change frameworks to their work; and increase understanding of effective strategies and programs.

The Baltimore Region Workforce Leadership Academy is one of eight academies launched in 2024. Alumni of the Academy become part of the Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, joining more than 370 alumni from 22 previous Academies in 17 cities in the US and Canada.

“The Workforce Leadership Academy is a way for representatives across all of Central Maryland’s industry sectors to come together and develop ways to overcome workplace challenges across the board. This inaugural class has the potential to make big changes in our region’s workforce. We look forward to seeing the creative solutions they develop through this program.” – Franklyn Baker, President and CEO, United Way of Central Maryland.

Learn more about our local partner, the United Way of Central Maryland

About the Workforce Leadership Academies

The Aspen Institute’s Workforce Leadership Academies, part of the Economic Opportunities Program, bring together leaders across the many siloed fields of practice, organization types, and government policies that make up the field. The Academies strengthen Fellows’ capacity to develop and sustain effective workforce strategies, collaborate more deeply with employers, and expand the number and quality of leaders who advance opportunities for low-wage workers and job seekers as they meet employers’ talent development needs.

About the Economic Opportunities Program

The Aspen Institute’s Economic Opportunities Program advances strategies, policies, and ideas to help low- and moderate-income people thrive in a changing economy. We recognize that race, gender, and place intersect with and intensify the challenge of economic inequality and we address these dynamics by advancing an inclusive vision of economic justice. For over 25 years, EOP has focused on expanding individuals’ opportunities to connect to quality work, start businesses, and build economic stability that provides the freedom to pursue opportunity.