Pew Charitable Trusts announced $2.5 million in grants for life sciences workforce development and neighborhood improvement
Originally published by The Philadelphia Inquirer The grants are going to The Skills Initiative, a job-training nonprofit, and North10 Philadelphia, a community-development group. by Harold Brubaker Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded $2.5 million in grants to develop the workforce in the life sciences in the Philadelphia region and make neighborhood improvements in North Philadelphia’s Hunting Park-East […]
UCD and The Skills Initiative Secure $2 Million in Funding to Fuel Industry Partnerships
The Skills Initiative has recently been awarded three grants that will power the regional growth of our industry partnerships. We are grateful to The Pew Charitable Trusts and the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry for their recent support of this critical work that will create a broad, lasting impact in Southeast Pennsylvania. Pew Awards $1.5 Million […]
The Skills Initiative’s Expansion into Industry Partnerships
Over the past 15 years, The Skills Initiative has worked alongside employers to build training programs aligned with real workforce demand, connecting thousands of Philadelphians to career opportunities while helping companies address persistent talent shortages. As these employer-driven models have grown, we’ve heard a recurring question from partners and funders alike: how do you scale this work to create broader, […]
The Skills Initiative is now hiring a Career Action Team Program Manager
Open Roles: Program Manager, The Skills Initiative Workforce Coordinator, The Skills Initiative Program 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 safety issues, bring […]
The Skills Initiative is an Idea Worth Stealing
Originally published by The Philadelphia Citizen In partnership with Accelerator for America, the West Philly-based jobs training program is sharing its successful model across the country — starting with our Super Bowl rival Kansas City By Courtney DuChene Cait Garozzo was gobsmacked. As the executive director of West Philly’s Skills Initiative, Garozzo runs a relatively […]
Accelerator for America is partnering with The Skills Initiative
Accelerator for America is partnering with The Skills Initiative to expand its proven, employer-led workforce model beyond Philadelphia, helping communities nationwide connect residents to family-sustaining jobs. The Skills Initiative, Powered by AFA will engage AFA’s national network of mayors and workforce and economic development leaders in more than 100 cities to introduce this model in other communities. […]
2025 Skills Initiative Economic Mobility White Paper: Job Quality
Drawing on 15 years of experience, The Skills Initiative offers key insights and lessons learned from connecting Philadelphians to high-quality careers and collaborating with employers across the region. The paper explores how job quality shapes long-term economic mobility—not just for individuals and families, but for entire communities. With analysis from 44 program cohorts, the data-driven […]
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
The Skills Initiative is now hiring an Office 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 safety issues, bring life to […]
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 […]