Lensfest North Philadelphia Workforce Initiative
https://lenfestcenter.temple.edu/
Programs are outward facing, working with the community. A number of different programs and serve a wide range of populations–youth, adults, digital literacy, adult education.
One of the newer programs under the Lensfest Center, first thing was wanted to understand the current workforce development work happening in Philadelphia. Saw that there was a large demand from employers and also a lot of North Philadelphia residents who were having difficulty finding jobs. First year met with stakeholders in the workforce development system. Found that there was a wealth of workforce development programs in North Philadelphia, but there was no connective tissue to bring those programs together. Resources and funding were major barriers–released a call for concepts that were then applied to the lensfest foundation in partnership with Temple. Needed to break down silos and find a common space for convening and collaboration.
When initially formed how did you figure out who the partners would be and what the initial focus would be? Engaged the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia which put together guiding document https://lenfestcenter.temple.edu/sites/lenfestcenter/files/media/document/tu_guide-for-lenfest-npwi_fv3-1%20(4).pdf. Also Lensfest Center had decades of experience working in the community
Having the Lensfest Foundation providing support was key.
One of the issues we see is a need for more case management services
In Philadelphia there are networks that meet because there are requirements from shared funders
Contact information: smoy@temple.edu, claire.pope@temple.edu
Baltimore City Schools Post-Secondary Advising Committee
Group of workforce development professionals, guidance counselors. Meets quarterly, plans events for high school students to be employed after they graduate. Reach out to Albert Phillips: aaphillips@bcps.k12.md.us if you would like to get connected to share information about workforce programs.
Announcements
JOTF: Accepting applications for Better U workforce training program
Phase 3: Next electrical training coming August 4th–have electrical, HVAC, elevator, and adding a sustainable HVAC training
Bon Secours Community Works: no announcements at this time
Groundwork Kitchen: recently started newest cohort, so accepting applications for round of training that begins in September
NPower: currently in a recruitment cycle, cohort starts August 7th, currently hiring for a second recruitment and admissions manager
UMMC: Return Strong event at Langston Hughes community center, expungement services and interviews on site
SBLC: recruiting for workforce program–place community members and learners in positions. Information sessions will be August 2nd
Residents of Pigtown, Barre Circle and other Casino Area neighborhoods can participate in a pilot program that will provide Lyft rides to training programs
UMB: recruiting for Humanim Administrative Assistance program
