Scaling Impact. Empowering Communities Nationwide.
Skills for America’s data-driven, human-centered approach forges deep employer relationships that mutually benefit overlooked talent and business. While born in Chicago, the Skills model is working in communities across the US, as the challenges of a disconnected workforce are not isolated to any one city
Proven Results
24,300+
job seekers placed into meaningful employment
270+
employer partners engaged nationwide
89%
of placements identify as BIPOC
$375M
Min total wage impact
Where We Are Now
Chicago, IL
Our flagship site, Skills for Chicago (formerly Skills for Chicagoland’s Future), launched in 2012
Rhode Island
Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, launched in 2016
Phoenix, AZ
Connect to Work AZ, launched in partnership with the Greater Phoenix Chamber Foundation in 2023
Atlanta, GA
Connect to Work GA, launched in partnership with the Metro Atlanta Chamber in 2024
Hartford, CT
Workforce Solutions Collaborative of Metro Hartford, launched in 2024
Our Vision
To bring the Skills jobs-first model to more cities over the next decade, connecting job seekers with quality jobs in high-unemployment areas and driving meaningful change in hiring practices.
Why Our Model Works
- Direct Employer Partnerships - Connecting job seekers to companies ready to hire
- Hiring Practice Change - Working with employers to elimiate barriers in the job process
- Community Driven Impact - Partnering with organizations that know their local workforce needs
- Hands-On Training - Providing partners with the tools to execute Skills' jobs-first model, tailored to their workforce needs
Join The Movement
We welcome employers, community partners, and donors to join us and help expand our impact. By working together, we can scale this model to bridge the gap between employers and job seekers.
Employers
Meet company’s talent needs with job-ready candidates while improving hiring outcomes.
Community Organizations
Skills model to your city.
Donors
Invest in bridging the employment gap and driving economic mobility.
Together, We Can Open Doors To Employment And Empower Communities Nationwide.
Learn how you can be part of this transformative expansion.