New $6 million initiative will help expand paid work-based learning and strengthen career pathways for community college students nationwide
The PwC Foundation and Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems, are excited to announce a $6 million, three-year initiative designed to support 10 community colleges with direct funding and technical assistance aimed at expanding work-based learning and strengthening career-connected pathways for students. This marks the largest education grant The PwC Foundation has made to date and reflects a shared commitment to helping more students access real-world experience and quality jobs in high-demand industries.
Community and technical college partners were selected through a competitive RFP process held from November 2024 to January 2025, which drew proposals from 127 institutions nationwide. The selected institutions include:
- Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, MA
- City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- Colorado Mountain College, Glenwood Springs, CO
- Columbus State Community College, Columbus, OH
- East Los Angeles College, Monterey Park, CA
- Edmonds College, Lynnwood, WA
- Front Range Community College, Fort Collins, CO
- Middlesex Community College, Lowell and Bedford, MA
- Surry Community College, Dobson, NC
- TCAT Jackson, Jackson, TN
This grant will provide vital funding and technical assistance to enhance educational and future career opportunities for their students. At the heart of this initiative is a shared commitment to connect students to paid work-based learning opportunities and quality jobs in high-growth industries. Both organizations recognize that internships and other real-world experience can enable success, as graduates with such experience are far less likely to face underemployment. These work-based opportunities are not only enhancing academic learning but also giving students the chance to gain the practical, hands-on experience and human skills that enable successful careers.
Community colleges are pivotal to fostering occupational inclusion and often drive innovation yet require greater financial and technical support than is readily available. This collaboration between The PwC Foundation and JFF is a significant step in elevating the critical work of these institutions, investing in their capacity to offer opportunities for all students.
Michael Sutphin, President of The PwC Foundation, remarked, “We are honored to work with JFF, a national leader in education and workforce development. Together, we are expanding pathways from postsecondary education to career—helping students access opportunities that will help set them up for long-term success.”
“This initiative comes at a crucial time, as students need better access to affordable high-quality education and training options and employers face growing talent gaps,” said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future. “Community colleges are uniquely positioned to help close that divide—but they need greater support to do so. Through this work, we’re investing in the systems and structures that help learners turn education into real economic opportunity.”
With more than 40 years of experience, JFF has helped shape policies and practices that help improve outcomes for learners and workers. The organization has led national initiatives to expand work-based learning, strengthen career pathways, and promote economic advancement.
The PwC Foundation’s dedication to addressing societal challenges in education is underscored by this meaningful grant, which builds upon their broader strategy of supporting community college initiatives. Since 2001, the Foundation has invested over $200 million in education, supporting meaningful advancements toward closing the opportunity gap.
JFF’s extensive research and advocacy efforts have also played a crucial role in this collaboration, identifying key workforce trends and advocating for policies and practices that support access to education and employment opportunities. Their work throughout the years has led to significant improvements in job placement rates, wage growth, and career advancement for participants.
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