By sharing stories, gathering data and research on best practices and lived experiences, and having strategic conversations with leaders and decision makers, we aim to elevate policies that strengthen and advance families, while illustrating policy barriers that hold families back.
Currently, Martha O’Bryan is leading advocacy efforts for a more equitable benefits system and to ensure all Tennesseans have access to the education and training needed to secure a good job.
The benefits cliff is the phenomenon that millions of low-income families face when they increase earnings only to face an abrupt loss in public assistance which leaves them worse off financially.
Martha O’Bryan works to increase benefits cliff awareness through caregiver voice, mobilize employers to take action, and directly demonstrate what’s possible through the country’s largest benefits cliff pilot.
In 2024, MOBC also launched a first-of-its-kind collaborative of nonprofits and government professionals from across the country, who are all leading efforts to mitigate cliff effect and are deeply committed to tackling the benefits cliff. Together, the group works to share best practices, spotlight individual lessons learned, and develop a shared and unified vision and will for change.
The inaugural members of the Coalition include:
Circles Salt Lake and Circles Central Florida, local chapters of Circles USA
Colorado Benefits Cliff Collaborative comprised of Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), CrossPurpose, Innovate+Educate, Spur LLC, and TorchTech
District of Columbia Department of Human Services
Episcopal Community Services of Philadelphia
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
Hennepin County Office of Workforce Development
Onondaga County Department of Social Services
Springfield WORKS
Tennessee Alliance for Economic Mobility, an initiative of Martha O’Bryan Center in partnership with Tennessee Department of Human Services
Towards Employment and the Northeast Ohio Workforce Coalition
Vermont Department for Children and Families
Workforce Development Council of Seattle King County.
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath) also serve in an advisory capacity
Jobs that require education and skills training are the backbone of our economy.
Currently, 56% of jobs today require more than a high school diploma, but less than 4-year degree.
In Tennessee, low-wage jobs are growing faster than middle-wage jobs, and the careers that pay better wages require specialized skills and high-quality credentials.
Our network advocates for a commitment to inclusive, high-quality skills training so that more people have access to a better life and more local businesses see sustained growth.
Co-led by Martha O’Bryan and the Nashville Chamber, we represent more than 100 members and 65 partners, featuring employers, education and training providers, local chambers, community-based organizations, and state and metro agencies.
By fostering connections between regional workforce experts and skills advocates, and amplifying their unified voices, the group aims to inspire a resounding call for action that helps workers gain meaningful employment, businesses find skilled personnel, and Tennessee develop a robust and inclusive economy.
Increasing access to programs that support essential needs, with an emphasis on childcare, housing affordability, and transportation, so adults from diverse backgrounds are more able to work and participate in skills education and training.
Expanding access to workforce training (career and technical education, work-based learning, short-term credentials, apprenticeships) so workers can quickly acquire the necessary skills for a new or current job.
Implementing policies that lead to increased enrollment at Tennessee Community Colleges and Colleges of Applied Technology, including refining TN Promise, closing the gap between TN Promise and TN Reconnect, increasing supports and debt-free financial aid for part-time students, reducing tuition barriers for students who do not qualify for in-state tuition, allowing state institutions to write off past-due balances that keep people from re-enrolling, and allowing state institutions to release transcripts to individuals with a past-due balance.
Ensuring businesses are consulted early in the review process to create credentials of value.
Increasing opportunity for early colleges at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology by adding TCAT eligibility to the state’s Middle College scholarship.
