The Science Center will expand its successful FirstHand program to guide local high school students like those pictured toward STEM-related careers.
The Lenfest Foundation gave a three-year, $5 million grant to University City District (UCD), the University City Science Center and Drexel to accelerate job training and career opportunities for local residents.
The goal is to prepare West Philadelphia residents for family-sustaining jobs today while equipping them with the skills and certifications needed to connect to the jobs of the future.
Through UCD’s nationally acclaimed job training program, the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, the partners plan to connect nearly 600 previously unemployed residents to careers over three years, which would result in over $16 million in wages generated in the community. In addition, over 200 adults and high school students in West Philadelphia will attain credentials, certifications and exposure to STEM careers, setting them on meaningful pathways to employment.
The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative has already served over 800 job seekers and generated $15.4 million in wages for previously unemployed local residents. Lenfest’s support will enable UCD to build new training programs with the Science Center and Drexel, along with other employers in University City.