25 Sites. 10 Years.
Champion economic mobility and transform lives—bring our jobs-first workforce development model to your city or region!
We provide significant staff resources for customized training and consulting, seed grants, and assistance in sourcing local sustainability funds. Explore the benefits of joining the Skills network!





Changing the Current Workforce System
While most workforce development agencies employ a “supply-driven” approach and focus on reskilling applicants, Skills starts by going directly to the job source—employers— to understand their hiring needs, company culture, and long-term human resources goals. We fill available positions with unemployed and underemployed individuals, serving as a connection, coach, and advocate.
Skills' jobs-first model connects underserved job seekers with companies committed to hiring diverse, qualified talent. We act as the last mile for the unemployed but the first mile for businesses.
Replicating the Model
We're expanding to new locations, placing historically underserved individuals into meaningful employment, resulting in career growth and increased economic mobility for thousands of individuals.
We provide seed grants and staff resources to launch each site and partner with key stakeholders to adapt to the local needs and culture of each workforce ecosystem.

We are excited by the opportunity to continue to grow Hyatt’s partnership with Skills on a national scale and are optimistic about the transformative impact a jobs-first model can have on those most in need of employment opportunities.”
What We're Up To
Sorry!
No items currently match your filtering criteria.
Supporting Our Network
Thanks to the generous support of our funders, we've been able to expand the Skills model. Special thanks to the organizations and individuals who have invested $25,000 or more in support of Skills for America's Future.
Mike & Cindy Bonds
Dennis & Joan Berger
The Community Focus Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation
Mark Hoplamazian
& Rachel Kohler
Mark & Pam Kendall
Joe & Elizabeth Pomerenke
The Donald E. Thompson &
Kathleen Wilson-Thompson Family Fund
of the Ayco Charitable Foundation
National Expansion Committee
Skills for Chicagoland's Future
Marie Trzupek Lynch, President & CEO
Suffolk
Dennis Berger
Chief Culture Officer
McDonald's
Heidi Capozzi
EVP, Global Chief People Officer
Walmart
Keith Wyche
Vice President, Community Engagement & Support
Research Improving People's Lives
Scott Jensen
CEO and VP of External Affairs
CVS Health
Jeff Lackey
Vice President Talent Acquisition
ARCO/Murray
Joe Pomerenke
Principal
Joyce Foundation
Whitney Smith
EVP & Chief Strategy Officer