Bridge the Access Gap
We believe everyone should have equal access to jobs. Our model brings together local workforce organizations and global employers, resulting in connecting more job seekers in underinvested communities to opportunities. We are striving towards an equitable future, join us.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Empower local organizations to adapt the demand-driven model to create solutions for employers to get unemployed and underemployed job seekers back to work.
Our Vision
Build a network of partners and connected affiliate sites so the Skills Model is available to all employers focused on inclusive hiring and anyone searching for a job.
Our North Star
To increase the economic mobility of underemployed and unemployed talent by connecting them to quality jobs through our deep partnerships and understanding of the hiring needs of our network of engaged employers.
We Start with the Job
We've flipped the traditional workforce development model. The Skills Model is a jobs-first approach, working directly with companies to identify their hiring needs. Then we recruit diverse job seekers who are unemployed or underemployed and fit those open opportunities. The Skills Model is proven effective and efficient, and is utilized at all Skills Affiliate Sites.
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We drive inclusive hiring
Skills Affiliate Sites are focused on serving underinvested communities and our recruitment efforts—including strategic marketing and sourcing—connect applicants with jobs nearby with our dedicated employers.
We’re a part of the local community
Our Skills Affiliate Sites are established leaders in the local workforce community. With a footprint in the community we're serving, we understand the business and workforce landscape and know how to work with partners to achieve the impact our city needs.
We eliminate barriers
The jobs-first model is proven to expand talent pipelines by focusing on the needs of the business community, then connecting often overlooked individuals with the available, quality jobs they are qualified for.
We are a network
The power of our national network brings operational efficiencies, shared learnings and insights to our Skills Affiliate Sites in cities across the country to drive local change and increase impact.
Our Locations
Our original site was founded in Chicago in 2012 and remains our headquarters today. We have since expanded with sites in Rhode Island and Phoenix. Over the next 10 years we plan to serve 25 sites, helping to grow and strengthen the opportunities we provide.
SKILLS AFFILIATE SITE CHAIRS
Mark S. Hoplamazian
President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Board Chair of Skills for Chicagoland's Future
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Jeff Lackey
Founder and CEO of JKL Advisors LLC
Board Chair of Skills for Rhode Island's Future
Our Thought Partners
We could not do this work alone. Sharing our learnings with our thought partners is how we have been able to innovate and grow our impact. Additionally, as a data informed organization, we value having partners that shape our understanding of the workforce and labor markets.
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