Our work is driven by the collaborative efforts of urban workforce development boards (WDBs) across the Midwest, working together to strengthen communities and expand economic opportunity.
Organization Name:
St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE)
Executive Leader:
Connie Johnson / SLATE Executive Director

Connie Johnson
Executive Director, St. Louis Agency on Training & Employment, SLATE
The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) Missouri Job Center helps the City of St. Louis residents prepare for, find, and keep good jobs. We connect people to career training, education, and support services while helping employers find skilled workers. Through strong partnerships, SLATE strengthens the local workforce and creates opportunities for individuals, businesses, and the community.
SLATE offers career coaching, job search assistance, skills training, and supportive services to help individuals achieve their employment goals. We also partner with employers to recruit qualified talent, develop apprenticeship opportunities, and strengthen the local workforce. Specialized programs serve youth, adults, dislocated workers, and justice-involved individuals.
One of our proudest moments each year is celebrating our YouthBuild graduates. Many participants overcome significant barriers to complete the program, earn industry credentials, and take the next step toward employment or higher education. For many of our participants, this journey is not easy. When they succeed, it is a testament to the power of opportunity, strong partnerships, and a community that believes in their potential—as well as to their own determination. It is especially rewarding to witness the dedication of our YouthBuild staff and the heartfelt appreciation shared by graduates and their families. Seeing young people celebrate their accomplishments and express gratitude for the support they received is both powerful and inspiring. These moments remind us why our work matters.
YouthBuild Graduation (May 2026): https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cJ6mNs42w/
We joined Midwest Urban Strategies because we believe strong partnerships lead to stronger workforce outcomes. MUS gives us the opportunity to connect with peers, share best practices, and collaborate on innovative solutions that benefit our communities. Our priorities include expanding apprenticeship opportunities, identifying new programs, strengthening support services, and integrating artificial intelligence into workforce training. Through MUS, we stay connected to emerging workforce strategies and better prepare to serve job seekers and employers in the future.
Last year, SLATE celebrated 50 years of serving the City of St. Louis.
One of our favorite stories is that our Executive Director, Connie Johnson, got her very first job through a SLATE youth employment program. That summer job helped support her family, and today she leads the same agency that helped launch her career. It's a reminder that workforce development can change lives for generations.
Midwest Urban Strategies offers a unique collaborative network that connects urban workforce development organizations across the Midwest, fostering innovative solutions and sharing best practices to enhance regional economic growth.
Our organization's members gain access to a wealth of resources, including expert insights, funding opportunities, and powerful partnerships, all aimed at driving meaningful change in their communities.
Is your organization ready to join us in building a more skilled, inclusive, and prosperous workforce for the communities we serve?