ICF Podcast

Examining apprenticeship programs for low-income youth

Hosts Lindsay Bell and Jack Murphy, of ICF’s Workforce Innovations, Preparedness, and Poverty Solutions (WIPPS) portfolio, are joined by WIPPS Project Director and Cybersecurity Youth Apprenticeship Initiative (CYAI) [https://cyai2024.org/] coach, Mary Roberto, and Ian McMahon, Director of the Colorado Division of Economic and Workforce Support [https://cdhs.colorado.gov/cp-offices-and-divisions]. Together, they discuss how workforce development and youth human services systems can work together to expand access to high quality jobs for low-income youth through RAPs. Topics covered in this episode include: * What programs and services exist to connect low-income youth to employment and training. * Colorado Department of Human Services’ collaborative efforts to develop youth employment and training programs through multi-sector partnerships. * How RAPs fit into the youth services ecosystem. * Making programs accessible and appealing to youth of various backgrounds. * Barriers to self-sufficiency and what services exist to address them. * Successful collaboration between human services and workforce development programs.

Energy in 30 #21: Critical role of load management in the energy transition

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, you'll hear from Sally Jacquemin, OSI and AspenTech Business; Sarah Colvin, GE Vernova; and ICF's Chris Najera. The discussion focuses on the crucial role of load management in the energy transition. Topics in today’s episode include: * Changes in customer behavior and in the utility market. * Technological advancements impacting load management. * Solutions-oriented future developments.

Energy in 30 #20: Energy in 30: Account-based marketing for utilities

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear ICF experts Nancy Caplan and Kelly Zonderwyk talk about building utility customer connections with account-based marketing. Together, we discuss how the whole energy system is in the midst of a major transformation and how utilities are working to engage their customers during this transition. Topics in today’s episode include: * Building an opportunity for connectedness from a customer engagement perspective. * The emotional side of customer decision-making. * How to deliver relevant, personalized experiences for today's digital savvy customers. * The data and customer insights needed to create targeted campaigns.

Energy in 30 #19: Revisiting 2023 IRA and IIJA trends and predictions

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, a panel of our experts revisit their top predictions for 2023. You’ll hear from Justin Rodgers, vice president of energy business development, Mike Jung, founding executive director of the ICF Climate Center, and Meredith Derr, senior director of disaster management. Together, they discuss how their predictions regarding the effects of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) aligned with the actual impacts on the energy industry in 2023. Topics in today’s episode include: * The influence of unforeseen global events on market instability and consumer confidence. * The utilization of IRA and IIJA funding by local governments and nonprofits. * Strategies and tactics employed by utilities to enhance customer engagement. * Innovative approaches by GRIP programs in bundling stimulus funds. * The importance of community partnerships in addressing spending law concerns and meeting priorities. * The mandatory reporting of active loan opportunities in several states for utilities. * The success seen by utility teams that collaborate and coordinate. * Emphasis on holistic and strategic partnership-building for the upcoming round of grant funding.

Energy in 30 #18: Clean technology and changing behaviors

Tune in to Energy in 30, hosted by Joan Collins and David Meisegeier. In this episode, hear from authors Mike Lenox and Becky Duff, who talk about their new book, “The Decarbonization Imperative: Transforming the Global Economy of 2050.” Together, we discuss the impacts of the climate crisis, how it’s affecting every sector and industry, and how to approach the problems it presents to our global economy. Topics in today’s episode include: The need to adapt and mitigate the effects of climate change. * The challenge of adopting clean technology and changing consumer behaviors. * Replacing established tech norms within industries. * Market-driven approaches to technology and innovation. * Industrial policies help accelerate the decarbonization transition.