Thank you to our training partners Atlanta Technical College and Chattahoochee Technical College!

STRIVE Future Leaders

STRIVE Future Leaders is an innovative, comprehensive program for justice-involved young adults (18-24) that incorporates evidence-based, informed practices and promising strategies to help youth grow as thriving adults in their communities. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and was developed in collaboration with MDRC and the Youth Development Institute, with support from The Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Students receive much-needed work and community service experience, and the chance to demonstrate leadership qualities, all to ensure that those who are entering the workforce facing multiple societal barriers have the opportunities they need to grow and thrive as they explore career options.

STRIVE Career Path

The STRIVE Career Path Program uses a five-pillar model that has successfully supported more than 85,000 graduates enter and advance:

• Career Coaching gives each participant personal support to identify and remove any barriers that stand in the way of their workplace success.

• STRIVE START is our 15-day virtual job readiness training focused on mindset, accountability and interpersonal skills.

• Occupational Skills Training focuses on a career path in high-demand industries including Logistics and Office Administration.

• Job Placement builds on our deep partnerships with local employers where graduates not only land a job but build a career.

• Lifetime Supportive Services for alumni with ongoing guidance and support after job placement and through any needs that may arise.

Career Path: Certified Logistics

Our tuition-free Certified Logistics & Inventory Control training program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your career in the supply chain industry, mastering the basics of Logistics with real-world application and credentials. This program runs for 7 weeks, M-F.

Graduates receive industry-recognized credentials and certifications (OSHA 10; Forklift Operation; MSSC Certified Logistics Associate; Inventory Control), on-the-job logistics training and an opportunity for career entry with competitive wages. Participants will partake in a blended model of both in-person and virtual instruction, with hands-on training in forklift operations, material handling, dangerous and hazardous goods, quality control, shipping and receiving, production and safety certifications.

Career Path: Office Administration

Our tuition-free Office Administration training program offers all the skills and coaching you need to jumpstart your administrative career in multiple high-demand industries. Office Admin Solutions is a blended model of both in-person and virtual instruction, with hands-on training in general office administration, customer service and digital skills.

STRIVE graduates receive personalized support through a Career Coach, and upon graduation receive lifetime access to our employer network and STRIVE’s support services.

Certifications: General Office Administration; Customer Service Specialist; Digital Skills for the Office; Microsoft Word and Excel Certificate of Completion.

LOCAL LEADERSHIP

Jomal Vailes, Founding Executive Director at STRIVE Atlanta

Jomal is committed to closing the access gap for families and children of color. As Chief Philanthropy Officer for Communities In Schools of Georgia, Jomal worked closely with its President and Board of Directors to lead statewide strategies focused on expanding philanthropic investments and agency visibility.

Jomal, a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), is no stranger to advocating for vulnerable populations. Vailes previously served as Chief External Affairs Officer for The Center for Working Families (Annie E. Casey Foundation, Atlanta Civic Site), overseeing fund development, communications and strategic partnerships as part of its Family Economic Success and Two-Generation portfolios. An accomplished leader focused on impact and systems change, Jomal has served Atlanta’s nonprofit community for more than 20 years including leadership roles for Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Atlanta Mission.

Jomal holds a BS in Organizational Leadership from Valdosta State University after matriculation at Morehouse College. He lives in Atlanta with his wife and three daughters.