Compiled by Gabby Stall, External Affairs Associate, Global Ties U.S.
Editor’s Note: Following the celebration of Labor Day last week, we recognize the workers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders who help build a strong American workforce. In June 2026, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) participants traveled across the United States to explore workforce and business development opportunities for American youth, engaging with the people and programs preparing the next generation for success. Read the stories below from Global Ties Network Community-Based Member organizations in Texas, Vermont, and Mississippi that showcased the skills, innovation, and community partnerships driving their local workforces and economies.
Texas
Snapshot by Mahalet Kefyalew, World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth
Photo by Elver Pardo, Professional Resource
While in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas, international professionals participating in the IVLP learned how local organizations are helping prepare young people for future careers through innovative education, training, and employment opportunities.
Visitors engaged with All Stars Project and Bridges from School to Work, two North Texas organizations that are leaders in workforce development. Both organizations highlighted the impact of youth workforce development in fostering economic growth and resilience, while showcasing experiential vocational models that help young people build skills, confidence, and career readiness.
An IVLP participant from the Ministry of Education of Brunei noted how engaging with these organizations inspired him:
“What stood out most was the seamless integration of community resilience and career readiness through multimodal engagement. The American model emphasizes a strong regional network of institutional partners—combining government, nonprofits, and the private sector—to create a long-term internship infrastructure. This ‘development-through-performance’ approach is particularly effective in coaching youth across fields, from business to law enforcement.”
In addition to highlighting youth workforce development in Dallas/Ft. Worth, this exchange program was an opportunity for the World Affairs Council of Dallas/Fort Worth to expand its local network to professionals in youth workforce and enterprise development throughout the world.
Vermont
Snapshot by Alexander Orcutt, Vermont Council on World Affairs
Photo by Shaadi Edwards, International Visitor Liaison
In Vermont, international visitors had a firsthand look at how communities provide young people with education, skills, and career opportunities to succeed. From technical education and workforce training to mentorship, entrepreneurship, and hands-on experience, international visitors were impressed with the breadth of opportunities available to Vermonters.
At OnLogic, participants saw how a Vermont-based company invests in its workforce and connects business growth with opportunities for skilled workers. A visit with the Vermont Training Program demonstrated how state resources can help employers develop the skills they need. Shelburne Farms, the Department of Commerce, and other educational and professional site visits highlighted perspectives from employers, educators, nonprofits, and government on how strategic partnerships help young people transition from education into meaningful careers.
Workforce development programs highlighted that they are more than just preparing young people for jobs. Organizations provided examples of how they build connections with employers, educators, and community members that create pathways for young people to contribute to their local economies and give back. The Vermont Council on World Affairs was honored to arrange this IVLP – it not only showcased great examples of workforce development strategies and practices in Vermont to international visitors, it also provided new international and local connections for organizations and businesses.
Mississippi
Snapshot by Shirley Harrison, The International Visitors Center of Jackson
Photo by Curley Wells, Jackson State University
In Jackson, Mississippi, the International Visitors Center of Jackson highlighted first-class local workforce development strategies, youth career programs, and community partnerships that support economic growth to international professionals participating in the IVLP. The program included an overview of Mississippi’s workforce development system with meetings involving representatives from the private sector, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and state government. Many of these discussions were complemented by site visits to organizations and agencies actively serving their communities, providing firsthand insight into workforce development initiatives, and partnerships that support young people as well as families throughout the state.
Participants visited the Jackson Public Schools Career Development Center, a premier career and technical education program serving students in Hinds County. There, they met with administrators and staff and toured the facility to learn about the career paths available to students, including opportunities for nontraditional learners.
The group toured the Nissan Automotive plant, which partners with Jackson Public Schools to provide students with valuable internship and employment opportunities. This visit highlighted how collaboration among schools, industry, and community partners can prepare young people for success.
Participants also engaged with several Jackson area nonprofits dedicated to supporting youth and families. This included a visit with Operation Shoestring to learn about their after-school programming, as well as discussions with Southern Christian Services and its partner organization, the Refill Jackson Initiative, about efforts to provide housing, medical care, and other essential services to children and families throughout Mississippi.
This IVLP provided the International Visitors Center of Jackson with an opportunity to showcase local professional leadership and expertise to IVLP participants from around the world, promote meaningful collaboration, and expand connections for local professional contacts.