Project JumpStart, Inc.

06/03/2026

Clyde Parker showed up. Did the work. And now he's a resident inspector with DFI!

This is what it looks like when opportunity meets someone who's ready for it. PJSI gave Clyde the resources, the training, and a real shot. He took care of the rest and now, in addition to working fulltime, supports Project JumpStart with every alumni event, mentoring opportunity, taking every chance to give back. He is a shining start of JumpStart and we are grateful for him and his efforts everyday.

Thanks, Clyde! We're proud of you.
We highlight our students and alumni all the time on our instagram! Are you following us there, too? https://www.instagram.com/projectjumpstarttraining

05/12/2026

05/06/2026

Our graduates don't just complete a program. They become the people employers are racing to hire.
The next chapter starts here.

05/01/2026

As we wrap up National Apprenticeship Week, we want to introduce you to two of our alumni-turned-apprentices: Juan Mendoza and Israel McNeil.

Both were looking for more for themselves: more confidence, more opportunity, more purpose.

Project JumpStart may have helped them get their foot in the door, but their own hard work got them the apprenticeships they are now thriving in.
The construction industry is better because Juan and Isreal are in it.

04/29/2026

Clyde Parker showed up. Did the work. And now he’s a resident inspector with DFI

This is what it looks like when opportunity meets someone who’s ready for it. PJSI gave Clyde the resources, the training, and a real shot. He took care of the rest and now, in addition to working fulltime, supports Project JumpStart with every alumni event, mentoring opportunity, taking every chance to give back. He is a shining start of JumpStart and we are grateful for him and his efforts everyday.

Thanks, Clyde! We’re proud of you.

04/29/2026

Two more JumpStart graduates are on the job.

Justin Reid (Class 81) and Demarri Matthews (Class 83) were both recently placed at Scaffold Resource and the person who made it happen is one of our own.

Antoine is a JumpStart graduate turned instructor, now with a successful career at Scaffold Resource. When he sees a student who’s ready, he moves. That’s exactly what happened here.

In his words:
“When these students come into class, we don’t know what to expect because everyone comes from different places in their journey. Some need the right moment or the right words to show that they are ready for what’s next. I knew these guys were ready. I jumped at the chance to have them on my team. The opportunity is here—and they are NEXT.”

This is what the pipeline looks like when it’s working. A graduate comes back, becomes an instructor, and opens the door for the next class.

Congratulations, Justin and Demarri.

04/27/2026

For 20 years, Project JumpStart, Inc. has been SO much to so many people. But what makes JumpStart JumpStart is YOU!

04/24/2026

Baltimore showed up for Project JumpStart in a big way.

We celebrated 20 years of building careers, changing lives, and proving that workforce development done right transforms entire communities.

We are so grateful for everyone who joined us for an incredible evening of food, connection, and inspiration.

To our donors, employer partners, alumni, and supporters who have been part of this journey for 20 years (and those just joining us): thank you. This milestone belongs to all of us.

A huge thank you to our speakers: Torrey Smith, Mike Rowe (via video message), Andre Hepkins, Cheryl Washington, Kumasi Vines, and Andrea Jackson, your words reminded us exactly why this work matters and where we are headed.

Here’s to the next 20. The best is ahead.


Thank you to our dedicated sponsors: Platinum: The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Wells Fargo, The Crafty Studio Gold: Skillforce, Inc. Silver: EMR, Anderson Fire Protection, Southway Builders, ABC Baltimore, Allan Myers, Wohlsen, Johns Hopkins Health System-Facilities Design & Construction, Turner Construction, Cross St. Partners, Scaffold Resource Bronze: Harkins Builders, Aegis Mechanical, Stella May Contracting, Inc., ISI Demolition, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Bloomberg Philanthropies, DPR Construction
Contributor: Gross Mendelsohn, RMC Development, LLC, Bmore Technology, Birch Advisors

Here's to the next 20. The best is ahead.

04/15/2026

Tre Madison never pictured himself in the trades. He came in for the money, figured he'd become an electrician, and move on.Then he discovered there was a whole industry waiting for him.

What kept Tre was the learning. The growth. The job security that comes when you're genuinely invested in your craft.

Today he works for Electric Motor Repair (using electrical, HVAC, and plumbing skills!) and brings that same curiosity to everything he does.

His advice? Keep pushing. Don't give up.

Tre's challenges didn't hold him back. They built him up.
20 years of people who kept pushing. Come celebrate what's possible at the PJSI 20/20 Vision Gala. https://givebutter.com/aNHJ16

04/14/2026

He came home from incarceration needing more than a job. William Goines needed direction.

PJSI provided it! SURE Construction recognized it. And now William Goines is building Airbnbs for traveling nurses, contributing to the healthcare and hospitality infrastructure that communities depend on.

When you support workforce development, you're not just changing one life. You're building something that serves everyone.

William's message to anyone considering this path: "Go for it. 100%."
20 years of stories like this one. Celebrate with us at the 20/20 Vision Gala.
https://givebutter.com/aNHJ16