Expanding non-degree pathways to skills and aptitude development will unlock the potential of every human being, especially those from underserved groups or communities.
As The Associated Press recently reported, through its Global Innovation Challenge, Citi Foundation will contribute $25 million to 50 groups across the globe that are working to provide digital skills, technical training, and career guidance to young people struggling with poverty.
Charles Koch Foundation partner Per Scholas is one of the grantees. The organization will receive $500,000 to develop careers for about 600 young adults by providing them “hands-on training to secure jobs that previously would have required much more experience.”
“What we want to do is make sure young people are as prepared as possible to find employment in a world that’s moving really quickly,” Citi Head of Enterprise Services and Public Affairs Ed Skyler told The Associated Press.
Citi Foundation developed the idea for the grants after employers told them “early career applicants lacked the technical skills necessary for roles many had long prepared to fill, highlighting the need for continued vocational training and the importance of soft skills.” Skyler reminded The Associated Press that a recent World Economic Forum survey of more than 1,000 companies found that, despite a weakening job market, employers believe skills gaps will be the biggest barrier to business transformation over the next five years.
Per Scholas President Caitlyn Brazill emphasized the importance of developing non-degree pathways to employment, especially for underserved populations. “[I]f there’s no bottom rung on the ladder, it’s really hard to leap up, right?” she said. Brazill also warned that failing to develop new career pathways eventually could hurt the economy.
Specifically, Per Scholas will:
- Expand access to their training programs in five existing markets (Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Chicago, and the Washington, D.C area);
- Develop new, or enhance current, curricula in emerging tech sectors such as artificial intelligence and cloud infrastructure; and
- Strengthen employer partnerships to boost job attainment outcomes for Per Scholas technologists.
“Through this partnership, Per Scholas and the Citi Foundation are investing in the promise and potential of young adults,” a Per Scholas press release said. “By providing access to no-cost, high-quality tech training and career pathways, this collaboration will help young people gain the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
Read more from Per Scholas.