Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma

PROJECT PURPOSE

The project is designed to recruit, equip, and build a workforce for the future through an apprenticeship and training facility to be located at Tolan Park in Oklahoma City on property owned by Goodwill. The training facility would be specifically (but not exclusively) focused on those facing challenges to employment such as Goodwill currently serves in the YEPP (Youth Employment Preparation Program) focusing especially on young people aging out of foster care), REPP (re-entry from prison) and VEPP (Veterans) programs as well as those with disabilities. Goodwill, in partnership with others, would provide apprenticeship training in both ?traditional? vocations e.g. trades/construction as well as more future oriented training like Virtual Reality, Avionics and Aerospace trades and other future orientated vocations. Goodwill would also provide training to employers about how to work with populations who are challenged in employment (Goodwill does this currently). The facility would include a child care center, cafeteria, shops, classrooms, offices and an auditorium as well as a hallway dedicated to the history of Tolan Park a formerly segregated Oklahoma City park to memorialize commitment to an inclusive future for all Oklahomans.

EVIDENCE

Here is a report from McKinsey discussing efficacy of workforce development training https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/closing-the-skills-gap-creating-workforce-development-programs-that-work-for-everyone#:~:text=Successful%20programs%2C%20in%20contrast%2C%20can%20show%20candidates%20evidence,employment%2C%20job%20promotion%2C%20and%20reliance%20on%20public%20support.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This training facility and program will have a multiplied impact through recruiting, training and developing skilled workers in occupations not requiring a college degree benefitting both their families, businesses and the larger economy. The training facility will specifically (but not exclusively) focus on those facing challenges to employment such as Goodwill currently serves in the YEPP (Youth Employment Preparation Program), especially those aging out of foster care), REPP (those re-entering from prison) and VEPP (Veterans) programs as well as women and those with disabilities. Training would be provided in both ?traditional? trades/construction as well as more future oriented training like Virtual Reality, Avionics and Aerospace trades and other future orientated jobs. Goodwill also provides essential "soft side" training required for job success such as interpersonal skills, Crucial Conversations, and Emotional Intelligence. Goodwill would also provide training to employers about how to work with populations who are challenged in employment (Goodwill does this currently). Goodwill knows from first hand experience the impact on these vulnerable communities is even greater than the negative impact on the state referenced in this presentation from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/arpa/documents/economic-develop/9.23.21-Dept-of-Commerce-presentation.pdf

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Goodwill has experience in measuring project and program performance. For this project Goodwill would hire Dr. Amanda Templeton, Founder and Principal Consultant with Measure Up LLC to collect and track data and performance metrics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-templeton-phd-06628994/

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma