Robert A. Straits

Robert A. Straits Administrator, W.E. Upjohn Institute

Mr. Straits has 36 years’ experience in planning, program development, fiscal management, information systems, advisory committee staffing, contracting, and monitoring and evaluating federal- and state-funded employment and training programs.

Brief Bio        Full CV

Expertise


Focus: Workforce Development

The practical experience acquired while serving as director of Kalamazoo-St. Joseph Michigan Works! complements the work done by researchers at the Upjohn Institute. It helps unite the overall efforts of the Institute in trying to find ways that government-funded job training programs may offer the most value to those seeking work as well as to the agencies funding those programs.

Current programs include:

  • Dislocated worker services (WIA)
  • Employment services (Wagner-Peyser)
  • Occupational skills training
  • Remedial training
  • Classroom soft skills / employability skills training
  • Post employment training
  • Incumbent worker training
  • Prisoner re-entry employment and training (MPRI, Department of Corrections)
  • Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act (TAA / NAFTA)
  • Welfare reform (JET Program)
  • Workforce investment (WIA - adult, youth and dislocated worker)
  • Youth training programs (WIA)