“STRIVE, a leading national workforce development organization, celebrates 40 years of impact in 2024 as it expands to new sites and cities, and adds significant new sources of funding. This growth is helping STRIVE mark progress toward its goal of helping 10,000 people each year by 2033 to achieve upward mobility and financial empowerment…
‘2024 has been a banner year as we continue to expand to other cities across the U.S., creating a pathway to economic opportunity and empowerment for thousands of people facing systemic barriers to quality employment,’ said STRIVE President and CEO Phil Weinberg. ‘Our 76% employment placement rate for our graduates is a testament to the grit and determination of our students and the support of our generous donors, dedicated staff, alumni and partners.’
With the recent backlash against DEI initiatives, and the continued fight for social justice, the need to bridge the opportunity gap for those who are systemically disconnected from opportunity is urgent. Most significantly, individuals who are justice-impacted, a disproportionate percentage of whom are Black men and other people of color, face the steepest obstacles to employment and mobility. STRIVE provides free of charge job training and clearly defined career pathways for individuals who are determined to succeed, despite multiple obstacles, including housing and food insecurity and lack of transportation. In addition, STRIVE’s Women’s Empowerment Initiative addresses the complex barriers disproportionately faced by Black women and other women of color who seek career opportunity and economic mobility.”