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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!

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Increase the economic mobility of thousands of unemployed job seekers in historically underinvested neighborhoods
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Align employers’ hiring needs with diverse, job-ready talent and collaborate with workforce organizations​
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Access data, expertise, shared learnings, and resources to implement a jobs-first approach
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Connect with a deep network of national employers across varied industries
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a web diagram of the current umemployed job seeker's journey versus how it should be

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.

Learn more

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.”
Mark Hoplamazian President & CEO, Hyatt Hotels Corporation Chair of the Board, Skills for Chicagoland’s Future
 

These National Employers have Hired Diverse Talent through the Skills Model

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.

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Dennis & Joan Berger
 
Mike & Cindy Bonds
 
The Community Focus Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation


Mark Hoplamazian
& Rachel Kohler

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Mark & Pam Kendall

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Art Margulis

Joe & Elizabeth Pomerenke

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The Donald E. Thompson &  Kathleen Wilson-Thompson Family Fund of the Ayco Charitable Foundation

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National Expansion Committee

Suffolk

Dennis Berger

Former Chief Culture Officer

McDonald's

Heidi Capozzi

EVP, Global Chief People Officer

Formerly Discover Financial Services

Matt Johanson

Social Impact & ESG

HUB International

Mark Kendall

Executive Vice President

JKL Advisors LLC

Jeff Lackey

Founder & CEO

ARCO/Murray

Joe Pomerenke

Principal

Walmart

Keith Wyche

Vice President, Community Engagement & Support

CEO, Schreiber Philanthropy

Whitney Smith

EVP & Chief Strategy Officer

Transform Lives.
Champion Economic Mobility.