STRIVE is honored to partner with Ballmer Group to further the national growth and expansion of STRIVE programs, helping to build a more equitable and inclusive economy. These latest funds will fuel deeper reach into communities in need and provide opportunities for graduates to achieve economic empowerment for themselves and their families.
“STRIVE is the perfect partner to help us reach those communities that are furthest from opportunity and employ levers of change that hold promise for long-term systemic equity,” said Ballmer Group Executive Director of National Impact Loren Harris. “We look forward to witnessing STRIVE’s continued growth and success over the coming years and remaining in close partnership in its ongoing impact.”
This key investment will serve as a lead funder helping STRIVE to open two new sites by 2025: STRIVE Birmingham in Alabama will begin classes in May 2023 and an unannounced city is currently in exploration and planning phases.
With the launch of two new sites and expansion of current programming in New York and Atlanta, STRIVE projects a 50% increase to enrollment of our flagship Career Path program by 2025.
"We are proud and grateful to receive this support from Ballmer Group," said STRIVE CEO & President Phil Weinberg. “These funds will allow us to facilitate significant economic impact across new cities, from individuals and their families to employers and local businesses. I am inspired by this investment and excited for the next leg of STRIVE’s growth as we approach our 40th year of service.”
As a national workforce development leader, STRIVE replicates where our unique, targeted services are identified and needed most. The largest program, Career Path, is a 10-12-week sectoral model designed to prepare students for careers in employer-driven, growing industries, such as administrative support, healthcare and construction. We coach students in navigating societal barriers, offer resources to address equity gaps, and facilitate lifetime access to alumni services such as upskilling, resume building and wellness services to ensure that graduates can continue to grow and thrive along their career journey, no matter the challenge.
“Rising economic inequality has exacerbated the challenges that structural racism has long-posed for communities of color, particularly in Alabama,” said STRIVE Birmingham Founding Executive Director Quiwintre Frye. “This crucial funding from Ballmer Group will allow us to open in Birmingham strong on day one and implement meaningful and effective programming that will finally connect the untapped talent in this region to the opportunities they have historically struggled to access.”
Since 1984 STRIVE has created pathways for those most often left out of the economy to access good jobs and build careers that lead to financial empowerment and upward mobility. STRIVE serves underrepresented individuals who face multiple societal barriers to quality employment. 96% of our students are Black and Brown; 92% are on public assistance at the time of enrollment; 41% are parents to minor children; 37% are between the ages of 18 to 24; and 33% are justice-involved.