Partner with Us

We’re seeking partners in locations across the country. Unlike the traditional RFP, we are looking for partners not just proposals, as a testament to the relationship we plan to build. The journey to equitable hiring - we're in it together.



2023 Request for Partnerships 

Interested in bringing the Skills Model to your city or region? Submit the Request for Partnership (RFP) application. RFPs are reviewed on a rolling basis. 

 Click Here to download a fillable copy of the RFP. 

 Click here to submit your completed RFP.

 For questions and more information, please contact Jason Smolka, Director of Site Replication, at jsmolka@skillsforamerica.org 

rfp blog

 

Informational Webinars

As part of our 2023 Request for Partners, we hosted informational webinars discussing our mission, our model and how we partner with communities to make an impact. The Webinars were hosted by our Director of Site Replication, Jason Smolka.

Our Mission

 

Our Model

 

RFP Process

 

Explore Our Impact

With over 19,000 formerly unemployed and underemployed job seekers connected to employment in two sites since 2012, Skills for America’s Future (Skills) has been able to unlock the key to economic mobility by connecting unemployed individuals with companies in need of hiring them, leveraging its robust network of local and national hiring partners. 

 After proven results in Chicago and Rhode Island, Skills plans to expand its model to 25 sites over the next 10 years, placing over 500,000 individuals into jobs with 25% of Fortune 500 companies, as well as other national and local employers. 

 Skills is seeking to partner with local not-for-profit organizations who work closely with employers and are looking to enhance their workforce development function with a jobs-first model. Skills plans to explore a partnership with nonprofit organizations in new locations across the country interested in adding, growing, or enhancing their employer-led, data-driven workforce approach through consultative services, staff training, and national employer introductions. 

Our Model & History

 

How Will the Skills Model Benefit Your City? 

The Skills’ jobs-first model has increased economic mobility for thousands of under and unemployed individuals. Bringing Skills to your city will: 

  1. Increase economic mobility for thousands of under and unemployed individuals
  1. Align employers’ hiring needs with diverse, job-ready talent
  1. Provide data, expertise, and resources to implement a proven approach to workforce development
  1. Provide access to a network of national employers already working with Skills
 
Theory of Change 

 Annually, the United States spends $41 billion on workforce development, yet marginalized populations, primarily low-moderate income and/or Black and Latinx communities, experience unemployment rates well above national averages. Flipping the traditional workforce model on its head, the Skills model starts by going directly to the job source--employers--and understanding their hiring needs, company culture, and long-term human resources goals. Skills fills available positions with unemployed individuals, serving as a connection, coach, and advocate. The Skills model connects unemployed individuals with companies in need of hiring them and serves as the last mile for the unemployed but the first mile for businesses. 

FAQs