Community & Economic Development
Sub-Priority Area
Workforce Development & Apprenticeship
Project: Action Youth Media Programming Evaluation and Capacity Building via the Development of Evaluation Framework, Plan, and Tools
​
Client: Action Youth Media (AYM)
​
Description: Contracted by Action Youth Media, a nonprofit entity that provides courses to middle and high school aged youth to help them learn how to engage in their community via media arts. Youth are taught media arts skills, research and analysis, and are provided with opportunities to find their voice and build their confidence. Arcstratta conducted an impact evaluation of their programming; developed a data & evaluation framework, plan, and evaluation tools; and strengthened their program narrative/pitch to support their sustainability. Findings, tools, and recommendations were presented to staff for their immediate application.
Project: Analysis of NeighborWorks America’s Network Members (Community Development Financial Institutions and Community Development Corporations)
Client: NeighborWorks America
​
Description: Analyzed NeighborWorks America’s Community Development Corporation (CDC), Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Network members’, with up to $785M in assets, business model changes, opportunities, partnerships, and racial equity, diversity, and inclusion capacity building efforts. Analysis included review of members’ small business development, lending (mortgage and small business), workforce development, affordable housing, shared equity, climate resilience and adaptation, and social programming throughout the United States. Compiled key findings and informed existing data collection and previously used analysis strategies.
Project: Apprenticeship Federal Proposal Development
​
Client: Onramp
​
Description: A national technology apprenticeship program designer and recruiter. Provided support with proposal development for federal funding to expand high-quality apprenticeship programs to increase economic opportunity to workers, deliver the skilled workforce employers need, and diversify the workforce.
Project: Development of Data Framework and Evaluation Plan for Restaurant & Hospitality Apprenticeship Management Pathways Program
​
Client: NRAEF
​
Description: Developed a data framework for the NRAEF’s innovative Restaurant & Hospitality Apprenticeship pathways program to assess participant needs, program processes, and impact. The program provides employees with the necessary certifications and training to advance to management level positions in the industry. Developed a logic model, data framework and data collection plan, and recommendations for implementation of processes and tools to assess program, its impact, and continued learning.
Project: Development of Informational Video and Webinar of Human Resource Food & Hospitality Industry Toolkit Focused on the Development of Successful Diverse Teams and Leadership
Client: NRAEF
​
Description: Developed a video to explain and increase the accessibility and use of a human resources toolkit for small and/or minority-owned restaurant and hospitality businesses engaged in the Foundation’s innovative apprenticeship pathways into management program. Developed and conducted a webinar in collaboration with NRAEF to promote and introduce the toolkit to the Foundation’s business members. The toolkit was commissioned by NRAEF and developed by Arcstratta to provide guidance regarding the development of diverse teams and leadership for greater business success.
Project: Development of Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Framework and Analysis of Small and Midsized City (SMC) Hub Program
Client: New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN)
​
Description: A national nonprofit tasked with advancing inclusive economies in cities and regions across the United States. Developed a monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) framework, analyzed program data, and produced MEL guidance and recommendations for national entity’s Small and Midsized City (SMC) Hub program, which shares knowledge, insights, and innovation in economic development among practitioners in the small business development, lending, workforce development, housing, and financial capability space across the country to drive inclusive economic development, advance equity, and reduce health disparities. Analyzed quantitative and qualitative data to assess existing participant base, needs, engagement, and impact; gaps in existing data collection and analysis; and identify next steps to advance the assessment of impact, learning processes, and program design.
Project: Development of Successful Diverse Teams and Leadership in the Food and Hospitality Industry Toolkit
​
Client: NRAEF
​
Description: Created toolkit in English and Spanish that provides guidance and tools pertaining to recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of diverse applicants, employees, and leadership within the food and hospitality industry. Toolkit was developed for small food and hospitality businesses participating in the Foundation’s innovative apprenticeship program that includes a pathway for apprentices and other employees into management positions.
Project: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Foodservice and Hospitality Webinar Series
​
Client: Multicultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance (MFHA), NRAEF
​
Description: Training partner in the design and delivery of a webinar series for restaurant apprenticeship managers to increase knowledge and skills related to integrating diversity, equity and inclusion strategies in the workplace culture to improve communication, belonging, job satisfaction, effectiveness, and retention. Support included online marketing and registration information, interactive training presentations and supporting materials, post-training educational resources, and evaluation forms.
Project: Making Restaurant & Hospitality Apprenticeship Management Curriculum Accessible to Limited English Proficient (LEP) Employees
​
Client: NRAEF
​
Description: Translated and formatted 1,000+ pages of restaurant and hospitality industry innovative apprenticeship management pathway training materials to Spanish for Latino/a/e/x employees with Limited English Proficiency. Materials help participants secure needed certifications and create opportunities for advancement into management positions.
Project: Purple Line Corridor Coalition - Sustainability Consulting for Programming to Ameliorate Negative Impacts of Transit-Oriented Development Processes
​
Client: National Center for Smart Growth, University of Maryland, College Park
​​
Description: Strategy consulting regarding the sustainability of equitable economic development interventions (workforce, small business, affordable housing, and place-making) designed to support underserved communities impacted by a regional transit-oriented development project within majority-minority counties.
​