United Way Miami Launches Transformative Workforce Training Fund: UpSkill Miami
UpSkill Miami will provide Miami-Dade County residents with access to jobs
MIAMI (July 18, 2023) – On Thursday, July 27 at 11:00 a.m. during a scheduled press conference, United Way Miami will launch UpSkill Miami, an impactful innovation in workforce training. With Miami-Dade County experiencing rapid change, an inflated economy, a lack of skilled workers and widening wage gaps, United Way Miami is pivoting to be an answer, adapting programming to solve these issues with a targeted approach. The press conference will be held at United Way Miami – The Ansin Building located at 3250 SW 3rd Avenue, Miami, FL 33129.
“We are excited to introduce UpSkill Miami as a resource for Miami-Dade County families, providing access to life-changing job opportunities for so many,” said Symeria Hudson, president and CEO of United Way Miami. “For nearly 100 years, United Way Miami has worked to tackle complex issues, and right now, our community is struggling with the rising cost of living, high inflation and a lack of trained people for hundreds of jobs that go unfilled. It is our obligation to help, and that is why we created UpSkill Miami. This fund will allow residents to expand their skills and land jobs in industry-leading fields, creating a path to a more prosperous future for generations to come. We are grateful to our partners for recognizing the need and impact this program will have on enriching the lives of so many Miami-Dade County residents.”
During the launch of the first phase, United Way Miami will partner with Baptist Health, Jackson Health System, United HomeCare, Miami Dade College and The CDL School with a goal to reskill and upskill the Miami-Dade County workforce through strategic partnerships that provide access to training, support and employment opportunities in key industries of high need and growth opportunities.
“Baptist Health is thrilled to be a partner employer with UpSkill Miami as part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing talent, fostering inclusivity and addressing the critical needs of our local healthcare industry,” said Bo Boulenger, CEO of Baptist Health. “We started our Allied Health Scholars program in 2022, and, through this collaboration with the United Way, we reaffirm our dedication to advancing healthcare education and improving employment opportunities for everyone in our communities.”
“Jackson is proud to be a partner employer of United Way Miami’s transformative workforce initiative, which aligns with our commitment to build a healthier and thriving community,” said Carlos A. Migoya, CEO of Jackson Health System. “Our academic programs have trained world-class healthcare professionals, and this funding will help make a profound impact on the lives of our neighbors who don’t have the financial means to go back to school yet seek new career opportunities in health care.”
“Miami Dade College is committed to training tomorrow’s workforce through innovative programs and partnership with organizations dedicated to making a lasting impact in our
community, such as United Way Miami,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “We are proud to join this effort to help local workers acquire the necessary skills to grow and thrive.”
“The CDL School and our parent company TransForce are excited to launch our partnership with the United Way Miami,” said The CDL School President H. Charles Hodges. “The UpSkill Program will provide job security and economic opportunity for those who live and work in Miami-Dade County. Program graduates will become important contributors to the transportation and logistics infrastructure that is so vital to South Florida and the nation’s economic prosperity.”
“For 50 years, United HomeCare has served Miami’s older adult community with distinction as a Lead Agency and quality care provider of home care services. Our mission is made stronger with grant funding from United Way of Miami in support of our Learn & Work Home Health Aide Workforce Development Program,” said Carlos L. Martinez, president and CEO of United HomeCare. “We are committed to empowering individuals who want to learn home care skills to work in the care of our clients, delivering personal care services in the comfort of their homes. The Learn & Work Program provides free Home Health training and employment opportunities throughout Miami-Dade.”
Seed funding for UpSkill Miami comes from a historic investment from MacKenzie Scott’s foundation. After initial investments of more than $2.5 million in the healthcare and transportation/CDL industries, United Way Miami will assess opportunities in construction trades.
Those eligible for the program must live or work in Miami-Dade County, earn below $35,000, or are currently unemployed. UpSkill Miami’s target population is people of color, female heads of household, veterans and youth ages 18-24 or those aging out of foster care.
To learn more about UpSkill Miami, visit unitedwaymiami.org/UpSkillMiami.
ABOUT UNITED WAY MIAMI
United Way Miami is a driving force in the community, successfully responding to emerging needs and transforming people’s lives. Since 1924, we have worked together with our network of donors, volunteers, and partners, to generate and amplify resources, and advocate for policies that improve the quality of life for all. We leverage our unique role as convener, strategic funder, service provider, awareness builder, and influencer so that everyone in Miami-Dade has access to quality education and the opportunity to lead healthy and financially secure lives — the building blocks of a thriving community.
