This compendium, which is intended as a resource for state and local policymakers and practitioners to use in addressing work force development issues in their states, describes successful projects based on various work force development strategies in the areas of collaboration, empowerment, and systematic change. Some of the models included were originally presented in a series of workshops held as part of three national forums. A total of 61 descriptions of projects illustrating ways in which various partners in business, labor, education, and all levels of government are working together in communities to find better methods of preparing the U.S. work force to meet the demands of the labor market of the future are organized into three sections as follows: innovative work force development programs that are successful because of partnerships (26 programs), programs using new technologies and initiatives to give job seekers and employers expanded access to employment services (20 programs), and programs in which innovative practices are used to create a new employment and training infrastructure (15 programs). Each program description includes the following: state in which the program is offered, program title, program description (including goals and key features/services), who benefits, team players, and a contact person. (MN)