Workforce Development Policy

Our Policy Priorities

The Scaffold Initiative engages with federal and state agencies on three policy fronts:

• AI literacy as a workforce competency. As AI transforms every industry, workers need practical AI skills — not abstract AI theory. We advocate for WIOA state plans to recognize AI literacy as a fundable training category, with measurable skill gains tracked through the public workforce system.
• Sole proprietor inclusion in workforce programs. Federal workforce development programs were designed for W-2 employees. Sole proprietors — the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. workforce — are structurally excluded from most training, benefits, and support programs. We push for policy changes that recognize and serve this population.
• Equitable access to financial technology. As financial services adopt AI and digital assets, the communities credit unions serve — disproportionately low-income, minority, and rural — risk being excluded by AI systems that weren't designed with them in mind. We advocate for behavioral safety standards that protect these communities.

How We Engage

We submit public comments during federal and state rulemaking processes, participate in stakeholder consultations, and build relationships with workforce development councils, state agencies, and federal regulators. Every comment we submit is published here in full.

WIOA & Workforce Development

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary federal framework for workforce development. States modify their WIOA plans every two years, creating windows for public input on training priorities, funding allocation, and program design. We use these windows to advocate for AI literacy, sole proprietor inclusion, and community-based training partnerships.

Financial Technology & Credit Union Operations

Credit unions serve 140 million members, many in underserved communities. As stablecoin services and AI-driven compliance tools enter credit union operations, behavioral safety becomes a member protection issue. We advocate for AI governance requirements that protect credit union members without imposing costs that small institutions cannot bear.