LISC’s Bridges to Career Opportunities (often referred to simply as “Bridges”) is a workforce development initiative designed to help low-income residents secure living-wage jobs by bridging the gap between their current skills and the requirements of employers.
Operated through LISC’s national network of Financial Opportunity Centers (FOCs), this program addresses the “catch-22” where residents cannot access training due to basic skill gaps, and local industries struggle to find qualified workers. Key Components of the Bridges Model
Targeted Training: Programs offer training in high-growth industries, such as healthcare, transportation, technology, and construction, allowing participants to earn recognized industry credentials.
Foundation Skills: The program helps clients “ramp up” on fundamental skills, including literacy and math, which are necessary for success in technical training programs.
Employer Partnership: Bridges connects directly with local employers to understand the exact technical and “soft” skills they need, tailoring training to meet these specific demands.
Integrated Support: Participants receive financial coaching, income support, and placement services through FOCs to help manage expenses and career goals during training. Impact and Success
High Certification Rates: A 2021 evaluation by APT Associates found that 80% of participants in the Bridges program successfully earned industry credentials.
Career Pathway: The program has successfully transitioned thousands of community members into new, sustainable careers in high-growth industries.
Bridges to Career Opportunities works to bridge the opportunity gap by providing specialized training for residents, particularly those facing significant barriers to employment. Bridges to Career Opportunities