This issue comprises seven articles that share ways Equipped for the Future's (EFF's) partners are using EFF to help adults build the skills they need to be successful in the workforce. "Building and Certifying Work Readiness" discusses the Work Readiness Credential being developed that will define, measure, and certify that individuals have mastered the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to succeed in entry level work in the 21st century. "Who Will Be First Hired and Last Fired" focuses on how EFF ensures that the people referred to job openings are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and abilities needed in the 21st century workplace. "New Jersey Uses EFF to Structure Its Workforce Development System" describes how New Jersey is using EFF to craft a common vision and common set of results for the state's workforce development system. "Combining Work and Education" shows how EFF is helping Canton City Schools, Ohio, prepare mothers on welfare to make the transition to the workforce for the first time. "From Role Map to Standards to Performance Assessment" describes the worker role map. "Linking to Private Sector Partners: EFF and Retail Sales" reports how business organizations like the National Retail Federation use EFF to prepare prospective retail workers to meet customer service standards developed by the Sales and Service Voluntary Partnership. "EFF Effectively Links Education and Training" discusses the program at Anamarc Educational Institute in El Paso, Texas, to prepare dislocated garment workers whose first language is Spanish to build the skills they need to find new jobs in the growing health care sector. (YLB)