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North Carolina opens next provider-innovation cohort and expands WISE online academy
Summary
WISE and Inclusion Works leaders announced applications for a new provider innovation cohort, described supports for participating agencies and highlighted training enrollment — 109 people signed up for the WISE Online Academy 100 series and multiple advanced training opportunities are underway.
WISE and Inclusion Works staff used the advisory committee webinar to announce that applications will open for the next cohort of the provider innovation program and to outline training and technical assistance available to providers statewide.
"There will be an opportunity to apply to be a part of the provider innovation program coming up here, end of this month," said Katharine Titus of WISE, who described the program as including organizational self-assessments, strategic action plans, personalized training and financial incentives for agencies that commit to transforming employment supports.
Titus named the first four providers in the pilot cohort — Vocational Opportunities of Cherokee, Allegheny County Group Homes, OE Enterprises, Inc., and Neuse Enterprises — and said those organizations are completing training and action plans. WISE provides a mix of cohort gatherings, individualized technical assistance and an online learning center with more than 300 training opportunities.
Titus also highlighted the WISE Online Academy: "We've had 109 people from North Carolina who have signed up for the WISE Online Academy 100 series so far," she said. The academy includes a four-part self-paced 100 series, a 200 advanced series (limited slots for a six-month intensive), and a practicum for participants to build job-seeker portfolios. Presenters said the course is free for eligible North Carolina participants and noted the online course carries a typical value of $600 but should register at no cost for state participants.
Attendees raised a registration question when one participant saw a $600 charge. Titus said the cart should automatically apply the North Carolina code and show a $0 cost, and she offered to troubleshoot remaining issues by email.
Claire Colligan and other Inclusion Works staff said provider innovation and training are key to increasing competitive integrated employment and encouraged providers to apply for the upcoming cohort and use available WISE resources.
Next steps: applications open at the end of the month for the next provider innovation cohort, WISE will continue cohort training and technical assistance, and Inclusion Works staff will publicize enrollment and dashboard updates on their website.
