YWCA McLean County has received a grant to implement the YWCA Strive program for the local Bloomington-Normal community as part of Google.org’s $5 million-dollar commitment to YWCA USA. YWCA McLean County is proud to be a member of the inaugural cohort of grantees at 12 local associations in eight states that are using the grant to improve job training programs and increase access to digital skills for women and underserved Americans.
As part of YWCA McLean County’s ongoing mission to eliminate racism and empower women, the Strive program provides education in digital skills to traditionally underserved or vulnerable populations, such as survivors of domestic violence, returning citizens, and low-wage workers. Some YWCA’s will couple this programming with wrap-around and barrier-reduction services such as child care, stipends, rent assistance, transportation, case management, and job coaching and placement to ensure each participant’s success.
“Providing pathways for women to receive the necessary workforce training and digital skills to access competitive jobs in the digital economy is more important now than ever,” said Jacquelline Fuller, President of Google.org. “We are proud to stand with the YWCA USA’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women.”
“YWCA is thrilled to partner with Google.org as we work to create innovative approaches to workforce development and forge new ways to bring the future of work and skills development to women and communities of color across the country, said Alejandra Y. Castillo, CEO, YWCA USA. “The greater goal of the partnership surpasses well beyond the scope of the grant. We are breaking down barriers and creating a path to success for women, veterans, and people of color that may not have been available without these new programs and initiatives.”
YWCA McLean County’s Strive program will be duplicated at five other YWCA’s in the United States. YWCA Greater Lafayette, Lafayette, IN; YWCA University of Illinois, Champaign, IL; YWCA Southeast Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; YWCA Lower Cape Fear, Wilmington, NC; and YWCA Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City, OK.
“YWCA McLean County views this grant as a critical investment in the rebuilding of our local economy that has been devastated through COVID-19, the economic downturn, and racial injustice through the upskilling and re-skilling of a traditionally overlooked workforce,” said Liz German, CEO/President, YWCA McLean County.
Strive is a workforce development program created by YWCA McLean County (Bloomington, IL), that focuses on digital skills training for women and people of color, with the goal of increasing vocational opportunities by providing essential digital and workforce skills.
The program will include three-hour classes, twice per week during the six-month program and participants will also work one-on-one with a career coach to help them achieve their career goals. To apply you must live in McLean County, be at least 18 years old, have basic English literacy and math skills, and must show a desire and ability to complete the full program. Preferred enrollment opportunities will be given to women, people of color, those who have not completed a bachelor’s degree, and those who receive a nomination through a partner agency.
The inaugural cohort will begin on July 27, 2020 and will conclude January 29, 2021. Future program dates are scheduled for January 4 through July 2, 2021 and May 10 through November 5, 2021.
