NASWA Celebrates 90 Years of Service and Leadership
WASHINGTON — The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) is proud to celebrate 90 years of service and leadership in advancing workforce policy, innovation, and collaboration across all 50 state workforce agencies, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Since its founding in 1936, NASWA has been a unifying voice and strategic partner in strengthening workforce systems nationwide.
To commemorate this milestone, NASWA is unveiling a new organizational logo for the year and will launch monthly facts and historical highlights across its social media platforms and newsletters. These features will share influential moments, key initiatives, and the people who have shaped NASWA’s journey. Members and stakeholders are invited to follow along and engage with the stories that define NASWA’s legacy using the hashtag #NASWAat90.
“For 90 years, NASWA has stood as a trusted partner to state workforce agencies, bringing leaders together to strengthen our nation’s workforce systems,” said Scott B. Sanders, NASWA President and CEO. “As we honor this milestone, we’re not only celebrating our history, but reaffirming our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and preparation of the workforce of tomorrow.”
The celebration will culminate at the 2026 NASWA SUMMIT in Milwaukee, WI (September 16-17), where members, partners, and workforce leaders will gather to reflect, network, and look ahead to the future of workforce policy and practice.
Historic Highlights:
- 1936 – Birth of what is now known as NASWA bringing states together to administer unemployment compensation
- 1937, 1949, 1958, 1960 (recession years) – NASWA played a key role in helping states administer benefits and support to unemployed Americans
- 1998 – A new policy/operations focus for NASWA that includes issues around job training with the passage of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
- 2000 – Name changed from the Interstate Conference of Employment Security Agencies to the National Association of State Workforce Agencies
- 2019 – First State of the Workforce Report is launched showcasing state innovations in workforce
- 2020 – Crisis across the country due to the pandemic and states helping approximately 40 million Americans with benefits
Looking ahead, NASWA is poised to build on its nine decades by advancing modern, responsive workforce systems that strengthen economic opportunity nationwide.
Through continued collaboration with state workforce agencies and federal partners, including the U.S. Department of Labor, NASWA remains committed to driving innovation, supporting evidence-based policy, and helping shape a workforce system prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the next generation.
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