03/31/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/31/2024 04:32
PHILADELPHIA - The City's Department of Commerce today announced its latest investment through the Workforce Solutions Grant, selecting four new organizations to develop innovative workforce solutions for local job seekers to prepare for and connect to sustainable career pathways that pay a living wage. The Workforce Solutions Grant invests in programs from organizations that strive to elevate evidence-informed approaches to address specific challenges Black, brown, and other historically disadvantaged Philadelphia residents face when preparing for and entering the workforce.
"These investments strengthen our commitment to bridging economic disparities and creating innovation pathways to careers within growth industries that benefit local workers. We remain laser-focused on quality jobs- with family-sustaining wages, benefits, and a path to economic mobility," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "The Workforce Solutions Grant is one of the responses to support the workforce needs of residents and businesses. These awardees are well-equipped and ready to help us advance equitable workforce development in Philadelphia. I am grateful for the intergovernmental efforts including with the Department of Commerce to ensure residents can feel and see our commitment towards economic opportunity for all."
"The Workforce Solutions Grant is one of our vital investments to address the talent needs of employers, increase access to workforce training opportunities for residents and to grow the economy. The Department of Commerce continues to convene workforce partners, support the talent needs of employers, and increase equitable access to training opportunities for Philadelphians of all ages and backgrounds,"said Alba Martinez, Director of Commerce, City of Philadelphia. "Together, we envision workforce alliances that help develop and execute talent solutions in Philadelphia. We extend our deepest gratitude to these four awardees for the vital partnership as we elevate economic mobility in our city."
The Department of Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions convenes organizations that help connect Philadelphia residents to careers within growth industries. This includes a focus on Philadelphians who lack a high school credential, as well as residents with limited digital proficiency, lack of foundational employability skills, and/or those in need of industry-recognized credentials. Across our portfolio of initiatives, the City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring our work elevates, prioritizes, and serves the needs of Black, brown and other historically disadvantaged Philadelphia residents.
"These past four years, we have invested in organizations that develop innovative workforce solutions through the Workforce Solutions Grant which advances Philadelphia as the talent hub of the future," said Gianna Grossmann, Senior Director of Workforce Development, Office of Business Development and Workforce Solutions. "The Workforce Solutions team looks forward to partnering with this new cohort of awardees to support them in connecting Philadelphians of multicultural backgrounds to careers with family-sustaining wages."
The following four organizations have been selected to receive a combined $1.15 Million in funding through the Workforce Solutions Grant with efforts to begin in March 2024.
"Commerce works with partners to make Philadelphia a great place to do business. We aim to attract international and domestic companies while supporting the expansion of those that are already here. This includes convening workforce partners for quality job opportunities across all business sectors," said Dawn Summerville, Deputy Commerce Director, Office of Business Development and Workforce Solutions. "Philadelphia is filled with world-class growth industries. The Workforce Solutions Grant helps advance access to work readiness in Philadelphia by collaborating with high-impact organizations focused on developing and executing talent solutions. This initiative is part of our ongoing strategy for Philadelphia to be a more economically competitive destination where employers flock, companies thrive, and innovation abounds."
The Workforce Solutions Grant is a key initiative that began as part of the Workforce Respond and Recharge 2021 Commitment,which is a collaborative effort by the City, led by the Department of Commerce, along with its workforce development partners including Philadelphia Works and PIDC. More information about the Workforce Professional Allianceavailable here.