Workforce Development: Foundational Skills
Foundational skill building such as GED or ESL programs that can lead to future employment or additional job training
The Connelly Foundation supports a continuum of workforce development programs, including foundational skills for individuals in need of basic adult education such as GED and ESL programs to improve employment opportunities.
Foundational skills programming will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Population served
- Support services to eliminate other barriers to success
- Referrals or access to other services
Preferred measures of evaluation include:
- Number of participants served
- Program completion rate
- Outcomes measuring skill-building, impact on quality of life, connection to additional training or employment
Workforce Development: Entrepreneurship
Training programs and skill building to educate and prepare entrepreneurs to succeed.
In the spirit of our Founder, John Connelly, the Connelly Foundation supports entrepreneurship and small business services to help low-income individuals establish or grow successful businesses.
Entrepreneurship training programs will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Industry-specific training
- Marketing, operations and/or other business assistance
- Financial assistance or access to capital
- Support services including mentoring
Preferred measures of evaluation include:
- Number of participants served
- Outcomes related to business growth (sales, revenue, employees)
Workforce Development: Job Training
Job training or employment programs with a direct connection to employers and a pathway to improved or new employment opportunities
The Connelly Foundation believes in the dignity of work and providing opportunities to those who are seeking new or improved employment. The Foundation invests in job training programs with a priority on specific populations including youth, immigrants, Veterans, previously incarcerated, and individuals with disabilities.
Workforce Development programs will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- Population served
- Technical training or skill building
- Support services to eliminate barriers to successful employment
- Direct connection to employer or employment partners committed to hiring graduates
Preferred measures of evaluation include:
- Number of participants served
- Program completion rate
- Job placement rate
- Average starting wages
- Job retention rate at 6 and 12 months