NOVAworks Launch Lab is exploring a different way to deliver workforce services: bringing career advising into community settings where people already learn, seek assistance and connect with resources. Rather than relying solely on residents to find their way to a NOVAworks office, the model leverages existing community resources and builds workforce services into places people already visit. These partnerships expand access to career support while complementing the services already available in each community.

Today, NOVAworks offers regularly scheduled career advising at 15 Connection Site locations across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Partners include adult education centers and community-based organizations. For example, an adult education center may help someone build new skills, while NOVAworks can help that person explore career options and identify opportunities to put those skills to work. The model extends NOVAworks’ reach and creates additional ways for residents to access support.

A Model That Evolves Through Testing, Learning and Improvement

The first seven Connection Sites launched in February 2026, giving NOVAworks an opportunity to test the approach in different community settings. The initial rollout expanded the organization’s reach and raised awareness of available workforce services.

When eight additional sites launched in October, NOVAworks made two changes to the service model: a simpler registration process that allows residents to register on site, and bilingual service delivery at every location. These adjustments were designed to reduce barriers between meeting a career advisor and getting connected to services.

As Connection Sites continue to grow, NOVAworks is building on what it has learned from each phase, refining the approach to make workforce services more accessible and responsive to community needs.

Explore NOVAworks Connection Sites: View the complete list of locations and service schedules.