Individual Projects

Merit America

Bridging Education and WorkMerit America

We incubated Merit America and helped entrepreneur-in-residence Rebecca Taber-Staehlin found, develop, and lead this scalable model to upskill low-wage workers for good-paying, upwardly mobile jobs. 85 percent of job-seeking program graduates have secured a new job within six months of graduation. Merit America raised over $12.5 million in philanthropic and PRI financing, is on track to serve 10,000 low-wage workers in three years, and just moved out of America Achieves to become its own independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  

 

We helped secure substantial funding for Merit America, assisted with their evaluation plan and leadership team recruitment, and helped form key employer partnerships.

Philanthropic Advising

Bridging Education and WorkPhilanthropic Advising

Our philanthropic advising includes a multi-year effort working with Bloomberg Philanthropies and national foundations to develop and inform large-scale philanthropy for career pathways.   This work has included identifying, reviewing, recommending funding for, and supporting high-potential initiatives, including, CareerWise Colorado, YouthForce NOLA, and Delaware Pathways. Our work has also included leading convenings of more than 20 national foundations learning about these issues. 

Public Policy

Bridging Education and WorkPublic Policy

As we analyze the evidence base of what works, we have designed public policy recommendations at the federal and state levels. This includes evidence-based public policy in career pathways and workforce development, inclusive economic growth, and K-12 education.