Fairfax County is proud to announce that its Talent Up Fairfax program has been selected as Virginia’s featured innovation in 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs. 

This new national showcase, a collaboration between Apolitical, the National Academy of Public Administration, and Human of Public Service, highlights one transformative public service project from every U.S. state, celebrating initiatives that drive economic growth and modernize government service.

The recognition underscores Fairfax County’s success in building a resilient, inclusive economy through innovative workforce solutions for both businesses and jobseekers.

Bridging the Talent Gap: Talent Up Fairfax

Launched by Fairfax County’s Department of Economic Initiatives in late 2023, in partnership with The SkillSource Group and the Department of Family Services, Talent Up Fairfax addressed a dual challenge: connecting overlooked jobseekers with high-quality career pathways while providing businesses with a low-risk strategy to expand their workforce.

By its completion in Fall 2025, the program delivered results:

• 347 local employers engaged across diverse industries.
• 179 paid work-based learning internships established in high-demand jobs.
• $25.00 per hour median wage for participants, ensuring competitive and livable earnings.
• Established a scalable model utilizing state-of-the-art tools to track placements and create a blueprint for "grow-your-own" talent strategies.

"Talent Up Fairfax invested in our local businesses by connecting them with skilled workers, and invested in our residents by opening doors to $25-an-hour gateway careers," said Rebecca Moudry, Director, Department of Economic Initiatives. "We have helped employers fill critical positions with qualified, motivated workers—and shown that workforce programs are economic development programs.  This national recognition validates what we've known all along—Fairfax County's greatest competitive advantage is our talent”. 

Driving Fairfax County’s Economic Future

The program’s success stems from a strategic partnership among three entities that co-designed the initiative from it’s inception.  This "operational engine" approach enabled the county to translate policy into high-impact results through clearly defined roles:

• Department of Economic Initiatives: Developed the concept and the program’s strategic vision, secured and managed funding via the American Rescue Plan Act.
• Department of Family Services: Acted as a key partner in the strategic planning of the initiative, providing essential expertise in career services and specialized workforce training to ensure the program reached priority populations.
• The SkillSource Group Inc.: Served as the operational and technical lead, managing day-to-day execution, jobseeker enrollments and employer outreach, along with administrative back-office operations.

This partnership produced a sustainable model for economic mobility—connecting skilled workers to quality jobs while meeting critical employer talent needs.
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About 50 States, 50 Breakthroughs
A collaboration between Apolitical, the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA), and Humans of Public Service, the showcase identifies projects that demonstrate real-world impact and the potential to be scaled nationwide.
The launch of the list will be followed by a live virtual event on February 12, featuring case studies on how breakthrough ideas like Talent Up can be sustained for better government across the country. Explore the full list at About Apolitical | Apolitical.

Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives
The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives "Navigates What's Next" to position Fairfax to be economically competitive with prosperous businesses, workers, and communities. We foster a competitive business climate through business support, entrepreneurship, and innovation; advance development by creating conditions for real estate investment and market-based growth; and strengthen local commercial areas by supporting vibrant, inclusive activity centers that retain and attract residents, businesses, and visitors while advancing economic opportunities for all.

Fairfax County Department of Family Services
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services (DFS) serves as a central hub for workforce development, dedicated to helping residents achieve economic mobility. Job seekers in Fairfax County have access to a comprehensive system of no-cost employment and training services delivered and coordinated through Workforce Centers in Fairfax, Reston, Annandale, and Alexandria. DFS connects employers with qualified local candidates through hiring events, work-based learning opportunities, and talent acquisition support initiatives. 

Virginia Career Works Northern Region/The SkillSource Group, Inc. 
The SkillSource Group, Inc. (SSG) is a non-profit organization that serves as the administrative entity for the Virginia Career Works Northern Region. SSG provides innovative workforce solutions that connect businesses to a qualified labor pool and provides job seekers with the skills and training necessary to succeed in the regional economy. Through Virginia Career Works Northern Region, the network of Northern Virginia American Job Centers, SSG offers comprehensive employment and training services to residents and businesses in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties, as well as the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas, and Manassas Park.
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