Breaking Down Barriers through Workforce Development
As part of our work to accelerate the transition to a carbon-free future, we strive to act as a catalyst for change in our communities. This includes workforce development initiatives that break down barriers to equal access to family-supporting careers and create a pipeline of highly skilled workers for the energy industry and Constellation. Below are the seven flagship community organizations to which Constellation has provided grants under its Powering Change Investment initiative.
INROADS | National Urban League | SkillsUSA | Vehicles for Change | Hire360 | Chicago Women in Trades | Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund (OCCIF)
Founded in 1970, INROADS delivers innovative programs and creative solutions that identify, accelerate, and elevate high school and college talent across the country. Through INROADS programs, students become equipped for access to corporate careers, with a new focus on energy pathways. Learn more at INROADS.org and connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn: @INROADSInc.
“Constellation’s contributions to INROADS not only prepares deserving students for career success but also expands our reach into clean energy careers.
- Forest T. Harper, president and CEO, INROADS.
The National Urban League is dedicated to economic empowerment to elevate the standard of living in historically underserved urban communities through education, job training, workforce development, and other programs. Along with its 90 local affiliates, the National Urban League facilitates the development of programs, public policy research, and advocacy to provide direct services that impact and improve the lives of more than 2 million people annually nationwide. Visit www.nul.org and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @NatUrbanLeague.
“This newly forged collaboration will allow us to continue to provide essential services like job training and workforce development to our constituents and close the employment gap.”
- Marc H. Morial, president and CEO, National Urban League
SkillsUSA is a collaboration of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce. The organization helps students excel. A nonprofit national education association, SkillsUSA serves middle-school, high-school and college/postsecondary students preparing for careers in trade, technical and skilled service occupations.
“SkillsUSA is thrilled to collaborate with Constellation. With their support, we can continue our essential work to close the skills gap, while presenting robust opportunities for young workers who enjoy challenging careers that offer stability and benefits.”
- Chelle Travis, executive director, SkillsUSA.
Since 1999 Vehicles for Change has provided the tools necessary to achieve financial stability for families through their car donation and reentry internship programs. Whether a family needs a car or an individual needs a new job, the nonprofit promotes respect and independence.
Vehicles for Change has awarded 6,900 cars to low-income families, changing the lives of more than 24,000 people. Their study found that 75 percent of Vehicles for Change recipients got better jobs and/or boosted their earnings by an average of $7,000 within the first year.
Through localized mentorship, direct investment and specialized services, HIRE360 seeks to strengthen the participation of underserved populations in the Chicago area — with a special focus on engaging youth and work ready adults to consider the trades as a viable and inspiring career path.
"We are excited for the support from Constellation to increase opportunities in construction and the trades. Too many Illinoisians work multiple low-wage jobs and still struggle to make ends meet. With $100 billion in projects breaking ground in Chicago over the next 15 years, our hope is to give our program participants a better opportunity to be part of the city’s construction future.”
- Jay Rowell, Executive Director, HIRE360.
Founded in 1981, Chicago Women in Trades (CWIT) is a non-profit organization committed to addressing barriers to employment in the skilled trades by supporting learning pathways through training programs and job shadowing as well as promoting equal employment opportunity workplaces and conditions.
Oswego County Child Care Investment Fund (OCCIF) brings together local leaders in government, education and business to creates a sustainable foundation for addressing child care needs across the county. The fund will strengthen and uplift the community by expanding quality care options, reducing costs for families and making sure childcare professionals have the support they need to thrive.
