Non-Profit Organizations Putting People to Work

Now more than ever, young people are looking for ways to leave low-wage, dead-end (and in the pandemic, often dangerous) jobs. Acquiring marketable skills is crucial, but for many young people trying to break out of the poverty cycle, even community college is financially out of reach.

Non-profit organizations are stepping in to offer tuition-free vocational training in several fields, including information technology, health care, and automotive.

Many of these programs give students more than just technical skills. They also teach these youth and young adults crucial life skills and offer networking opportunities. This helps students overcome the trauma associated with growing up in disadvantaged households and sets them up for success in many areas of their lives.

Some of the non-profit organizations we’re highlighting here have locations across the United States, while others serve smaller regions. All of them have a proven record of training people for well-paying, successful careers in stable industries.

Opportunities Industrialization Centers of America (OIC)

OIC utilizes a nationwide network of affiliates to provide vocational training for low-wage, low-skilled workers. They work closely with employers across the United States to understand what skills and training are needed in the workforce, so graduates of OIC’s programs have the tools they need to advance in their new careers.

In addition to health care, manufacturing, and construction, OIC graduates are beginning careers in IT and even the new green economy.

Year Up

With locations across the United States, Year Up offers young adults ages 18-26 a one-year training program in one of five career tracks. Their well-rounded training includes professional skills such as time management and business communication, so students graduate with essential skills that enhance their profile.

Graduates from the program are placed in internship programs with one of their 250 partner companies, and most graduates continue on in their chosen profession or use their education toward college credit and go on to school.

Newgate School

Based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota, Newgate School provides vocational training in auto mechanics and auto body repair. Like many non-profit organizations, Newgate accepts automobile donations. But unlike most, instead of outsourcing the repair and refurbishment of these automobiles, the school uses them to train its students.

The school’s programs are largely self-paced and can take 18-24 months to complete. Graduates often go on to apprenticeships at area garages and auto body repair shops as they begin their careers in the automotive industry.

Newgate funds its programs by selling the refurbished vehicles, though they donate several cars each year to local working single mothers through their Wheels for Women program.

Per Scholas

For workers looking to move into tech or upgrade their skills, Per Scholas offers tuition-free training and certification programs in IT, cybersecurity, and software engineering. With physical and virtual campuses throughout the U.S., Per Scholas says that over 80% of its graduates find jobs within a year of graduation with an average pay of $42k.

Filling Talent Gaps and Helping Workers

For decades, businesses have complained about a lack of skilled workers, particularly in fields like technology. Not only are these non-profit organizations helping people get out of low-skill, low-paying jobs, but they’re also helping businesses fill a talent void.

If you’re a worker looking for a new career path, or a company searching for skilled workers, these are some great organizations to partner with.