BOSTON — Recognizing a need for equal access to work and education, a duo of dynamic interests have come together in the Huntsville area.
Jobs for the Future, a national nonprofit that drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems, has partnered with Truist Foundation to improve economic mobility and advancement opportunities for learners and workers in the Huntsville area and four states.
The $4.2 million investment will support two initiatives to build equitable pathways to high-wage, high-growth careers through postsecondary education and workforce training programs, according to a news release.
“The opportunity to secure a quality job with the potential for economic advancement must be equally accessible to learners and workers across this country, regardless of state or region,” said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future. “This is why we are grateful to Truist Foundation for supporting our work to invest in community colleges in several states and in stakeholders across the Huntsville region, so we can build new approaches for inclusive on-ramps to tech careers and more.”
In a news release, Truist Foundation, JFF, and online education provider edX said they will build on their experience of implementing innovative, community-centric models. These models engage stakeholders across the nonprofit, workforce development, community college, and business sectors to expand a boot camp-driven model for tech training in data analytics and cybersecurity roles, the release said.
The program aims to train 180 workers over two years, establishing on-ramps to tech careers for low-to-moderate-income individuals, workers from underprivileged backgrounds, and others who have overcome significant challenges.
In addition, JFF will conduct research to identify how robust, boot camp-driven tech training can support on-ramps to tech careers within a collective impact model.
“Truist Foundation understands the critical role education and training play in the trajectory of an individual’s job, career, and wealth-building opportunities,” said Truist Foundation President Lynette Bell. “That’s why we are investing in partners and programs like those that Jobs for the Future and edX are supporting across the country to help provide access to tools and resources that all learners and workers need to achieve economic mobility.”
For information, visit jff.org.
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