University City Review
By Staff
Citizens Bank has announced a $125,000 investment in University City District’s nationally recognized job training program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI), to support its expansion efforts. After having worked exclusively with University City employers and West Philadelphia residents, the organization will extend its reach to employers across the region.
Citizens Bank Mid-Atlantic President Daniel K. Fitzpatrick presented Craig Carnaroli, University City District Board President and Penn Executive Vice President with the ceremonial big check on behalf of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, and they unveiled details about the partnership. This was followed by a roundtable discussion, where WPSI program participants asked Fitzpatrick and Carnaroli their career questions.
“Citizens Bank is committed to increasing workforce development opportunities in the Greater Philadelphia region and few organizations have the track record of the team at the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative,” said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President of Citizens Bank, Mid-Atlantic Region. “We are proud to support the organization as it takes its efforts to the next level, providing more opportunities for unemployed Philadelphians to get the training and support needed to succeed in the workforce.”
“The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative succeeds in changing lives and transforming workplaces because of partnerships – with employers, with neighborhood groups and with the philanthropic community,” said Matt Bergheiser, President, University City District. “The enduring partnership of Citizens Bank, along with its unwavering belief in Philadelphia’s workforce, has had an indelible impact on our work.”
Through its employer partnerships and soft skills curriculum, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative prepares and connects unemployed and under-employed Philadelphians to life-changing work while helping employers find and retain the talent they need. Thanks to the support of the Citizens Charitable Foundation, WPSI plans to serve more employers and jobseekers by extending its reach to employer partners across the region, targeting positions that have strong starting wages and robust career paths.
“We are lucky enough to work side-by-side with program graduates as they connect to, and excel in, their chosen careers,” said Sarah Steltz, Vice President for Workforce Innovation, University City District. “Employers throughout the city have noticed the talent coming through our program, and we’re thrilled to be able to expand our reach because of Citizens’ commitment.”
