Jacksonville’s Kids Hope Alliance and the Community Funding Accelerator are working to secure $18 million in federal, state and private funds for a workforce development project, the city announced in a Sept. 30 release.
According to the release, the partnership seeks to expand employment and job training opportunities in Jacksonville.
KHA estimates that Jacksonville lags peer cities by about $32 million in spending on career and college preparation compared to peer cities. Jacksonville annually spends around $18 million, while peer cities spend closer to $50 million.
“This gap in funding means fewer training slots, limited support services, and missed opportunities to support growing businesses in need of talent,” the city said in a release.
KHA is a division of the city that funds programming focused on job creation, working with younger participants across more than 140 programs.
The CFA, which is associated with the London-based consultancy Delivery Associates, will help KHA find funds for projects that will “expand career pathway opportunities, improve educational attainment and foster long term economic mobility,” according to the release.
The CFA has previously worked with the city and local organizations to apply for a federal grant focused on prime age employment and workforce development. It also worked with Jacksonville’s MyVillage Project to win a federal grant focused on economic development.
“This $18 million effort reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every young person in our city has a real pathway to success, from the classroom to a meaningful career. Together, we’re closing the opportunity gap and building a stronger, more resourceful Jacksonville,” Mayor Donna Deegan said in the release.
The Wall Street Journal ranked Jacksonville as the No. 2 overall strongest job market in the nation, behind Salt Lake City.
“We have partnered with Jacksonville over the years because we know that this is one of the most promising places in the nation for young adults to build roots in the workforce,” Anna Walters, the CFA’s associate director, said in the release. “We know there is a wealth of young talent in the city, and we’re excited to provide them with the resources they need to foster this talent and build successful careers.”