STRIVE

05/27/2026

STRIVE North Jersey is proud to announce a two-year, $400,000 grant from the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation. This investment reflects a shared belief: that every New Jerseyan deserves access to dignified work, economic stability and a real pathway to possible.

Through meaningful, mission-aligned partnerships, together we can build a more equitable future where our communities will thrive. This grant allows us to reach further and serve deeper across North Jersey as we strive towards that goal.

Thank you to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for your support and your unwavering commitment to a just and equitable New Jersey.

Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q04j2TyD0



Photo: STRIVE North Jersey Employment Specialist Amir Smith with STRIVE North Jersey 2026 graduate Francis at the STRIVE Young Professionals cultivation event in April.

05/27/2026

Under the leadership of Executive Director Angela Shiloh Cryer and her incredible team, STRIVE New Orleans is helping local residents access careers with long-term mobility in the region’s growing healthcare and logistics industries.

Through STRIVE’s proven model of career training, wraparound support and lifetime alumni services, graduates are building stability, confidence and brighter futures, backed by a community and network that moves with them no matter the challenge.

Gratitude to our newest employer partners for believing in STRIVE! City of Kenner Government, Bollinger Shipyards and New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Learn more about enrollment, partnership opportunities, and ways to support at https://hubs.ly/Q04gPYwh0.

05/26/2026

"STRIVE New Orleans helped me build my confidence, develop real job skills and stay focused on what I want for my future. The program helped me change my life and put me on the right path. Because of what I gained through STRIVE New Orleans, I launched my dream career at Associated Terminals. Now I'm motivated and ready for whatever lies ahead. I’m beyond grateful for everything STRIVE New Orleans has done for me. Thank y’all for this incredible opportunity—I love y’all so much.”

Arianna, now a proud graduate of STRIVE New Orleans (and Certified Logistics Associate!), came to STRIVE facing significant societal barriers to employment with little hope of ever starting a career. Like many individuals we serve, she was uncertain about her future and lacked the confidence needed to take that first step forward.

But during her time at STRIVE New Orleans, Arianna experienced a powerful transformation and gained a renewed sense of direction and purpose. With consistent support and encouragement, Arianna was able to overcome the challenges that once held her back and set out on her Pathway to Possible.

STRIVE New Orleans will continue to stand with Arianna, as we do for all our alumni, with ongoing wraparound support and encouragement as she advances in her career in the coming years. Her journey is a testament to the resilience, growth and life-changing impact of opportunity.

05/21/2026

Our five-pillar model of career readiness training, job skills training, career coaching, job placement assistance and lifetime alumni support ensures students are set up for success as they navigate their path to possible.

Mock interview workshops focused on professionalism and best practices are a key part of that journey. They help students gain experience, build confidence and sharpen communication so they are ready for that big interview.

Shout out to the STRIVE Birmingham team for the incredible impact they are having in the local community, helping people ready for a new start access the training and support they need to establish a life-changing career.

Learn more about our programs tailored for healthcare, logistics and construction at https://hubs.ly/Q04gPCrx0

05/19/2026

Congratulations to the latest graduates of STRIVE Atlanta’s Certified Logistics & Inventory Control program!

This incredible cohort has completed STRIVE’s tuition-free training and earned industry-recognized credentials, preparing them to launch careers in the growing supply chain and logistics industry.

A special thank you to keynote speaker and STRIVE Atlanta alum Kimberly Madison, Founder of Coveted Crown Hair Company, for inspiring our graduates with your story and encouragement.

And congratulations to Executive Director Jomal Vailes and the entire STRIVE Atlanta team for another successful cohort and their unwavering commitment to creating pathways to opportunity for Atlantans.

The future is calling, and these graduates are ready to answer. Are you?

Ready to launch your career, partner with STRIVE or support our mission? Visit https://hubs.ly/Q04gPD4v0 to register for an info session and learn more.

05/14/2026

If you’re heading to the NAWDP - National Association of Workforce Development Professionals conference in Phoenix next week, make sure to catch STRIVE Director of Policy Van Freeman May 20 at 9:45 MST on the panel “Scaling a Holistic Workforce Model for National Impact”

Using STRIVE as the case study, alongside fellow panelists Erika M. Dix, Manager of Workforce & Talent Development, Department of Innovation and Economic Opportunity, City of Birmingham Government and Brandon Bosarge, Senior Workforce Development Consultant at Ochsner Health, Van will dig into one of the most important questions in our field: How can a community-based workforce development model scale nationally without losing the core elements that make it effective?

Together they’ll explore how workforce organizations, government leaders and employer partners can collaborate to build strong, equitable talent pipelines, ensuring graduates are prepared for good-paying jobs with mobility, while helping employers fill critical workforce gaps. If you care about scalable solutions, employer-aligned training and real pathways to economic mobility, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

05/14/2026

A brighter future starts with opportunity.

Through Fresh Start and Future Leaders, STRIVE helps justice-impacted adults and young people build pathways to lasting career success through free job training, industry-recognized certifications, job placement assistance and personalized wraparound support.

Fresh Start supports adults 25+ who are ready for a new beginning after incarceration.

Future Leaders empowers justice-impacted young adults 18 - 24 with the skills, experience and confidence to change their futures.

By working alongside local employers, STRIVE ensures graduates are job-ready on day one and prepared for careers in high-demand industries like construction. And with lifetime alumni support, our community is here every step of the way.

Your future is calling. Take the first step toward what’s possible.

Visit strive.org to learn more.

05/08/2026

“At STRIVE, we see every day how immediate financial stability can make the difference between crisis and momentum as individuals work to reconnect to employment and opportunity. We are proud to partner with CEO to help launch the inaugural New York Reentry Stipend Support Program,” said Ayesha George, Executive Director of STRIVE New York.

Continue reading to learn more about this major advancement in reentry support: https://ceolink.co/4ezDFpS

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A first for New York and a major step forward for reentry. For the first time, public funding is being used to provide direct cash support to people returning from incarceration.

With a $1M investment from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, CEO and partners will deliver direct stipends to help returning New Yorkers meet essential needs while connecting to jobs, housing, and training.

Because when people have stability, they can focus on rebuilding their lives.

Read more: https://ceolink.co/4ezDFpS

05/08/2026

This Mother’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength, determination and vision of mothers who are building brighter futures for themselves, their families and each other.

In this special edition blog post, STRIVE alum Shannon Bannister shares how her 30+ year journey of resilience and growth through career training, opportunity and purpose led her to paying it forward with her new women's empowerment platform, Plan Your Pivot.

Shannon's story is a powerful reminder that when women are empowered with the tools to succeed, their families and communities rise with them.

Hear from Shannon: https://blog.strive.org/blog/plan-your-pivot-a-mothers-day-reflection-with-shannon-bannister-strive-1994

An Interview with STRIVE Alum Shannon Banister: The Future Is Calling