Workforce Development as a Path to Shared Economic Opportunity
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, SER National affirms that honoring Dr. King’s memory means advancing equal access to economic opportunity. Dr. King’s life’s work was rooted in the belief that justice, dignity, and broad access to employment are essential foundations of a thriving democracy.
“At SER National, we believe economic empowerment is inseparable from Dr. King’s dream that every person has a fair chance to contribute and succeed,” said Ignacio Salazar, President and CEO, SER Jobs for Progress National, Inc. “Workforce development is not just about filling jobs — it’s about enabling individuals to live with purpose and to strengthen their communities.”
Across America, publicly supported job-training networks — including those funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act — empower individuals with skills that substantially improve their prospects for sustainable employment. Recent research shows that targeted training programs materially increase job placement rates and long-term earnings, demonstrating that structured workforce training contributes to both individual economic advancement and broader labor market resilience.
Across more than two dozen states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, the SER Network of Affiliates equips underserved workers with the training, certifications, and employment resources needed to thrive in today’s economy. From pre-employment preparation and job readiness to sector-specific upskilling and career pathway advancement, these services translate aspiration into real economic mobility.
“Our commitment to job training underscores our belief that opportunity should be available to everyone, regardless of background,” Salazar said. “On this Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we honor Dr. King’s legacy by continuing to build pathways to economic independence and personal fulfillment.”
By focusing on results-driven training outcomes and community-centered workforce strategies, SER National and the SER Network of Affiliates are expanding access to career opportunities and helping close persistent gaps in employment equity.
“Today, let us reclaim Dr. King’s call for unity and shared purpose,” Salazar said. “We must invest in people through training, apprenticeship, mentorship, and collaboration. We must build workforce paths that reflect America’s promise of equal opportunity. Let every American, from business leaders to civic partners, embrace the strength we gain by working together — forging not just jobs but dignity, prosperity, and hope for generations to come.”