Fall 2024

Pathway to Possible

As our 40th Anniversary year comes to a close, I'd like to express my immense gratitude for the early visionaries, pioneers and champions who heard the call to serve, took action and founded STRIVE for those ready for a new start.

We look forward to the next 40 and our plan to expand into new regions—growing to serve from 2,000 to 10,000 people each year by 2033.

Phil Weinberg at the 40th Anniversary gala, October 2024.

In this last newsletter of the year, we are excited to share some announcements and moments—from this week's press release highlighting our recent survey on employer-approved alternative career pathways, to our historic fundraising at this year's gala, and the iconic moment of ringing the NYSE closing bell during our 40th Anniversary year, 2024 has been the most impactful year in our proud 40 year history.

I am especially pleased to share our 40th Anniversary impact report and mission video, both entitled "Pathway to Possible" in honor of our new branding. Our new forward leaning STRIVE logo, bold imagery and positive messaging brings to life our unique position as a leader in workforce development solutions. As the season of giving and celebration approaches, I hope you will take some time to enjoy these materials and share with your colleagues and networks.

"We need a STRIVE in every major city in America," said John Draper, a justice-impacted graduate of STRIVE Brooklyn, 2024, who gained full-time employment within weeks of completing the program. I know he's right. And with your continued support, one day we will get there.

STRIVE believes in everyone’s worth and that people are more than their past.  We see what’s possible, and we help people unlock what’s possible in themselves.

Thank you for your continued support of STRIVE and for standing with us as we leap forward to our next 40 years. 

Phil Weinberg

STRIVE President & CEO    

STRIVE New Orleans employer partners at Ochsner Health help connect grads to their pathway to possible.

New Survey Shows Growing Support Among Employers for Talent who Take Alternative Pathways

45% of STRIVE graduates are justice-impacted, demonstrating the need to build bridges to employers and industries that offer prosperous career pathways and growth opportunities. 

As businesses across the country continue to struggle with labor shortages, studies show that employers looking to fill critical workforce gaps are open to hiring people who have taken alternative career pathways, as well as those who seek a new start after incarceration. This is especially true in the healthcare industry, where demand for non-clinical, skilled employees is exceptionally high.

A STRIVE survey conducted October 18–21 by Russell Research finds that 86% of people surveyed would welcome hiring people who have opted for a trade school or a certification path rather than college, and 80% surveyed believe that individuals who served time in prison deserve a second chance and should be considered for employment.

Read this week's press release to hear from our leaders and partners on how our evidence-based, industry-driven model works for graduates and employers:

Expanding Leadership

STRIVE welcomes two key appointments to our leadership teams to support our growth and impact goals.

Jamaul Webster joins STRIVE as Chief Development Officer. An accomplished fundraiser, Jamaul previously served as Chief Development Officer at Educational Alliance and as Vice President for Development at Teach for America, where he led all fundraising activities across New York, Connecticut and New Jersey.

STRIVE is also proud to welcome our newest board member, Nick Liolis, Chief Investment Officer at Guardian.

WE MADE STRIVE HISTORY!

On October 21, we celebrated four decades of impact at our 40th
Anniversary Gala at 583 Park in NYC. Together with partners and supporters we raised a record $1.1 million!

We thank our honorees: Jacki Kelley, EVP, Chief Client Officer & Chief Business Officer, IPG, and Joanne Wilson, Founder & CEO, GOTHAM and Co-founder & President, Gotham Gives, and all who helped us reach this incredible milestone.

$1.1 million!!!

National Model with a Local Impact

Our program teams across sites continue to expand their reach through impactful partnerships within the local communities we are dedicated to.

In New York, our second Brooklyn cohort is underway thanks to our partnership with Grant Associates, preparing 20 Brooklyn residents for careers in the growing healthcare industry. Our New Orleans team reports that the vast majority of our graduates from our first-ever cohorts have already been hired through employer partners Ochsner Health and LCMC Health and will begin their new career paths this week. 

In Atlanta, after a successful pilot of our Certified Logistics & Office Operations training for residents of East Point, we are preparing for the next cohort, and in Birmingham we are excited to launch our Fresh Start program for justice-impacted adults, preparing students for careers in Telecommunications (Cable Installer) and Logistics (Forklift Operator), coming in January 2025.

As we enter the season of giving thanks, we want to take a moment to express our limitless gratitude for the phenomenal program staff whose expertise and passion for our mission make the impact possible. At this year's gala we celebrated our program teams across sites with a staff appreciation video, "Behind the Impact." 

Celebrating 40 Years of Impact at the NYSE
Closing Bell

On Friday, September 4, STRIVE executives, board members and regional team members had the honor of ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, marking a watershed moment for STRIVE.

The bell ringing provided a memorable opportunity to celebrate and recognize our 40th Anniversary and to shine the spotlight on STRIVE’s critical mission and legacy of impact. 

Hear STRIVE on the WorkingNation Podcast

STRIVE President & CEO Phil Weinberg and STRIVE Board Co-Chair and 2003 Graduate Roy Castro joined Editor-in-Chief at WorkingNation Ramona Schindelheim to discuss how STRIVE has been connecting historically excluded populations to life-changing careers for 40 years.

Growing the Young Professionals Network

STRIVE Young Professionals Network is an engaged community committed to raising awareness about STRIVE's mission. Click below to learn more and get involved. Thanks to all who came to our Fall Friend-raiser!

"I’m excited to join the STRIVE Young Professionals Committee to help raise awareness about STRIVE’s phenomenal impact in helping people achieve their goals through the power of a thriving career. Success comes in stages, and everyone needs a little direction and meaningful support to get ahead. I’m grateful for the opportunities in my life that have helped me launch into a career path that I love, and I am proud to pay that forward and lift those who have yet to get their break."

Zakiya Noel, Benefits Manager, IPG Mediabrands

 Give the Pathway to Possible 

STRIVE is a national workforce development solution for people ready and motivated for a new start. We offer tuition-free skills and job-readiness training, one-on-one support and lifetime personal coaching. We create partnerships with employers that result in pathways to life-changing careers—all while helping employers close critical gaps in their workforces.

For more than 40 years, we have provided a proven pathway to possible by helping people realize educational, career and life pursuits. 

STRIVE is a smart investment and delivers a tangible impact. We take an evidence-based approach to our work, leveraging data to enhance our impact and the return on your investment. Support our continued growth and impact.

Career solutions for people ready for a new start