Sharing Three New Grants for the Skills Initiative
Our work at The Skills Initiative would not be possible without the support of generous funders and supporters. Below, read details about three grants we received at the end of 2024. We are grateful to each of the funders for their help in advancing our mission to connect residents seeking opportunity to employers seeking talent. […]
Philly’s tech and innovation ecosystem runs on collaboration
Originally published by Technical.ly Between a thriving life sciences industry, ample resources and a strong academic network, the region has proven its potential to thrive. Words by: Sarah Huffman • Edited by: Katie Malone Philadelphia tends to self-identify as an underdog, but the region’s startup and innovation ecosystem is overcoming that reputation. With a […]
Calling all Alumni: Join the Advisory Council
We are excited to announce the launch of the Skills Initiative Alumni Advisory Council, and we’re looking for 8-10 passionate alumni to join us in shaping the future of our alumni engagement! As a council member, you will have the unique opportunity to: Support outreach efforts to connect with fellow alumni Plan impactful events […]
The Skills Initiative is now hiring an Office Manager & a Program Manager
The Skills Initiative is now hiring an Office Manager and a Program Manager: Office Manager, The Skills Initiative University City District (UCD) is a non-profit, special services district that leverages a unique partnership of universities, health systems, large and small businesses, and community groups to invest in public spaces, address public maintenance and public […]
A Jobs Program that Works
Originally published by The Philadelphia Citizen Parkside resident Tyler Wood started her career as an IT specialist for the military. But by 2018, she had spent two years out of the workforce, staying home to care for her children. She felt she was ready to go back to work, but was nervous about interviewing with […]
Skills Initiative: The Next Chapter
A robust collection of stories about The Skills Initiative’s employer partners, program alumni, funders, and staff that showcases our impact and new brand!
A New Brand and Identity for Our Next Chapter
Today marks the start of an exciting new chapter for University City District’s workforce development subsidiary. We have rapidly expanded beyond the borders of West Philadelphia over the past few years, impacting new neighborhoods and new industries, and it was time to update and simplify our name. The growth and evolution of our vision has […]
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon Visits with BTT Participants
On Monday, September 16th, 2024, members of our and Skills Initiative teams joined representatives from The Wistar Institute, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc., PIDC, Philadelphia Works, Inc., Life Sciences Pennsylvania, and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce in hosting Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05) at The Wistar Institute to visit the current cohort in the Biomedical Technician Training […]
Bob Casey voices support for Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harris’ vice presidential pick
Originally published by The Philadelphia Inquirer U.S. Sen. Bob Casey expressed his support for Gov. Josh Shapiro as Kamala Harris’s potential running mate, following a news conference for employment nonprofit Philadelphia Works, Inc. Shapiro is “ready to take the job,” said Casey (D., Pa.), calling Shapiro a “great communicator who has shown through his […]
Senator Bob Casey Visits the Skills Initiative to Discuss American Rescue Plan Funding
On Friday, August 2nd, 2024, United States Senator Bob Casey joined representatives from Philadelphia Works, Inc., the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA), and the Philadelphia Area Labor-Management Committee (PALM) to share updates on the state of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) investment in the Southeast region. Announced in 2022, […]
Graduate Spotlight: Lois from Penn Dental
Lois Napper was laid off in 2016 after seven years at the Center for Responsible Funding. She had recently earned her associate’s degree in human services and had two young children, so she was determined to make her next step more than just a job—she was looking for an opportunity to meaningfully provide for her […]
Graduate Spotlight: Laura from CHOP
Laura Bien-Aime is on a mission. Only three years after graduating high school, Laura founded Laura’s Children Foundation to teach children simple strategies to lead healthier lives. Having primarily worked as a teacher’s assistant, she saw a West Philadelphia Skills Initiative flyer about training and job opportunities to join the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) […]
