University City District's West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) began five years ago with a simple goal of supporting specific human capital needs of West Philadelphia's anchor institutions, and connecting West Philadelphians to opportunities for employment, advancement, and skill-building. 

 

In the five years that have followed, WPSI has succeeded in that goal. We've partnered with 15 businesses and institutions, created over $7,000,000 in wages for previously unemployed residents of West Philadelphia, and just recently surpassed 500 total participants for our combined programs. 

 

According to Mark, "For you to become a better person you have to practice professionalism on and off the job. I had it, I just didn't know how to bring it out. Once I learned that in the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, everything went uphill from that point on."

 

Five years of work is certainly a cause for celebration, but WPSI's task is far from complete. In the months and years to come, we will continue on our mission, and also seek out new and innovative ways to set the model for workplace development. We look forward to your continued participation in our work. 

 

                                                                   

                               Matt Bergheiser                                                     Sheila Ireland

Executive Director, University City District           Director, West Philadelphia Skills Initiative

 

 

 

Calling All WPSI Alumni! Would you like to stay in contact with other graduates of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative? Join the new WPSI Facebook group! Here you can connect with other graduates, network, and share job leads and professional advice. Or use it just to keep in touch!    Join the WPSI Alumni Facebook Group!

WPSI Impact Report   Have you read our Impact Report yet? Click here to download a PDF of the report.