STRIVE Employment Specialist Edgar Alcantara (L) with Future Leaders alum Braulio (R).
We are thrilled to announce STRIVE has been awarded a $5 million grant by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This transformational funding comes as STRIVE expands its services nationwide with a new site in North Jersey, in addition to its locations in Harlem and Brooklyn, New York, as well as Atlanta, New Orleans and Birmingham.
With a 40-year track record and proven approach to evidence-based skills and job readiness training, STRIVE continues to partner with the federal government to help employers fill critical hiring gaps with motivated, certified workers. This marks the eleventh federal grant since 2012 awarded to STRIVE. Against the backdrop of significant economic and policy uncertainty, STRIVE stands out as a national leader in workforce development solutions for employers nationwide.
This DOL grant provides fully 100% funding for STRIVE’s unique Future Leaders program, which serves justice-impacted young adults aged 18-24 seeking a career path with opportunities for advancement. The grant supports the expansion of Future Leaders programs at STRIVE operated sites in New York, Birmingham and our affiliate partners in New Orleans.
Edgar connected Braulio with an interview opportunity at Northwell Hospital where he now works as a Housekeeper and has full benefits, access to a union and opportunities for advancement.
Despite the critical need for trained workers in growing industries, including healthcare, many national nonprofit organizations are facing funding shortfalls, impeding their ability to prepare individuals who are motivated and ready to work and to connect them to good-paying jobs. A March 2025 report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, points to the ongoing workforce shortage, noting the U.S. labor force participation rate is 62.7% with multiple factors contributing to the shortage. Demand for workforce training has grown, particularly among people aged 25-34, and 36% say they’re more focused on acquiring new skills, education, or training before re-entering the job market, according to the report.
About STRIVE
STRIVE is national leader in workforce development, founded and headquartered in Harlem, New York. For more than 40 years, STRIVE has empowered individuals facing systemic barriers to employment to find their pathway to possible and discover their best future selves through innovative career training and lifetime support for adults 18+ —including those impacted by the justice system.
STRIVE bridges the skills gap and the opportunity gap, through tailored programs that lead to life-changing careers and economic prosperity. Through partnerships with local employers, funders and community organizations, STRIVE delivers workforce solutions that boost economies and strengthen families for generations.