The Skills Initiative, Powered by AFA
Accelerator for America is partnering with The Skills Initiative to expand its proven, employer-led workforce model beyond Philadelphia, helping communities nationwide connect residents to family-sustaining jobs. The Skills Initiative, Powered by AFA will engage AFA’s national network of mayors and workforce and economic development leaders in more than 100 cities to introduce this model in other communities.
Expanding Impact
The Skills Initiative has demonstrated the ability to produce real economic mobility outcomes: 93 percent of graduates have secured employment that pays an average of $12,000 more in annual wages than their previous role, and 83 percent have remained employed after one year, nearly double the retention rate of the typical workforce program.
Together, AFA and The Skills Initiative have made a Clinton Global Initiative Commitment to Action to replicate The Skills Initiative’s success in other communities. This new partnership aligns with AFA’s existing efforts to tackle workforce challenges and create pathways for high quality jobs – those that allow residents to support their families and provide opportunities for economic mobility.
In late fall 2025, AFA will host a series of workforce development capacity building sessions that center the value of good jobs, career pathways, and employer relationships, and introduce The Skills Initiative’s model to AFA’s network of 800+ local leaders in more than 100 communities. Stay tuned for more details to come.
