In 2016, Seedco and our partner Bon Secours Community Works launched the West Baltimore Career Pathways Collaborative (WBCPC). Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), the program is designed to improve long-term employment and reduce recidivism among West Baltimore’s returning citizens who are nearing release from prison or home confinement.

The state of Maryland just released their draft State Workforce Plan, which highlights the WBCPC as a key “example of Maryland’s efforts to integrate Career Pathways programming.” Pages 21 and 69-71 of the plan provide more details. The state is accepting comments on the plan through January 24.

The plan notes that the WBCPC “is designed to (1) prepare participants for career pathways in local demand sectors by providing access to training, education, job placement, and career development services; (2) address basic needs and life issues that are barriers for success; and (3) place participants in long-term, well-paying jobs. Seedco/Bon Secours will focus on the demand sectors and career pathways of: (1) Healthcare/Social Assistance, (2)Transportation/Warehousing/Logistics, (3) Manufacturing/Advanced Manufacturing, and (4) Construction.”

Since 2015, Seedco has operated the Mid-South Career Pathways Collaborative, a similar U.S. DOL-funded program serving individuals on work release programs in Memphis. In 2017, Seedco received a third direct award from U.S. DOL to launch the new Young Adult Re-Entry program in Memphis.