Our Work
Through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives, Midwest Urban Strategies tackles the distinct challenges facing urban communities—expanding access to opportunity and driving long-term, meaningful impact.
Building Stronger Communities Together
At Midwest Urban Strategies, we believe in the power of collaboration, innovation, and leadership to create lasting change. By working together, we strengthen communities, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful impact—building a better, more inclusive future for all.
Convenings, Learning Labs, and Events
At Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS), we host a dynamic range of convenings, learning labs, and events designed to advance innovation in workforce development.
These gatherings offer a collaborative platform for:
✅ Workforce development professionals
✅ Community partners
✅ Regional and national stakeholders
Together, we share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and work to address the most pressing challenges in workforce systems.
Featured Work
Investing in Early Childhood Education for Stronger Communities
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) recognizes high-quality childcare as essential to economic growth. Without it, workers struggle to stay employed, businesses face productivity challenges, and communities miss out on opportunities.
To help solve this, MUS partners with the Early Childhood Workforce Connector (ECWC) to strengthen and sustain a skilled, well-compensated early childhood education (ECE) workforce. A key part of this effort includes advancing registered apprenticeships providing structured, earn-and-learn pathways for early educators.
Together, we’re working to ensure families can access reliable childcare, parents can pursue meaningful careers, and communities benefit from a stable workforce and stronger economy.
Future: Work
Unlock Your Future—You’re Not Alone
Figuring out your career path and building the future you want can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the Future: Work program, you’ll get the guidance, training, and support you need to turn your goals into reality.
Here’s how we help:
✅ Free career planning – Discover your strengths and map out your path.
✅ Skill-building & education – Get support for GED/HSED prep and essential job skills.
✅ Job training & career coaching – Gain the tools and confidence to succeed in the workforce.
This program is a partnership with Managed Care Organizations (MCO), helping their members access local workforce resources and opportunities.
Your future starts here—let’s build it together.
Advocacy
Advancing Workforce Development in the Midwest
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) is committed to strengthening workforce development across urban centers in the Midwest. We advocate for innovative solutions, address systemic employment barriers, and create opportunities for underserved populations.
Through collaborative partnerships with regional and national stakeholders, MUS works to drive economic growth and sustainability, ensuring both workers and employers thrive. By fostering workforce innovation, we help shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for the Midwest.
Technical Assistance and Regulatory Compliance
Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) offers unparalleled expertise in workforce development, specializing in WIOA compliance, public funding, regulatory guidance, and performance metrics.
Our team ensures seamless alignment with federal and state workforce goals while fostering effective partnerships across regions.
MUS Works with: Training Providers, DOL Intermediaries, Workforce Development Boards, Non-Profits, and community-based organizations that would like to work within the public workforce system.
CLICK HERE to email Melanie Martin, Regional Workforce Connector