Two years ago, Highmark launched a $2.4-million workforce development program. During a Dec. 19 press event at New Century Careers on Pittsburgh’s South Side, spokesman Evan Frazier said the company was pleased with the results and is committed to ongoing support.
“We served over 5,900 individuals through grants of up to $50,000 to 31 nonprofits,” he said. “But what was really satisfying is how they leveraged those dollars and forged partnerships to increase the value. We didn’t just give them money and walk away. I went to a lot of meetings.”
Locally, the initiative awarded more than $992 million to 14 agencies.
“Part of the goal was to address parts of the community that are often left out like the POISE Foundation and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh,” said Frazier. “In Allegheny County we focused on adult training and retraining, and rapid reemployment.”
In addition to New Century, POISE and the Urban League, local recipients included the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board, Life’s Work, the NorthShore Community Alliance, Keystone Research Center, Blind & Vision Rehabilitative Services of Pittsburgh, Family Services of Western Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Women Work, Lutheran Service Society/ Springboard Kitchens and the Veterans Leadership Program.
By leveraging their grant awards, Frazier said two-thirds of the recipients had forged new cooperative workforce initiative. So rather than competing, they are partnering with each other.
As a result of the two-year initiative, 785 participants secured jobs. Of those, 180 have already received promotions or raises. Another 504 jobs were retained.
Frazier said he anticipates continued investment in rebuilding the workforce, but said he doesn’t know if it will come in another single $2.4-million chuck.
“We are committed,” he said. “We know we are stewards and that follow-up is essential.”
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