Ballmer Group

We're excited to share an impact update from a Ballmer Group grantee: Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA)! HOLA gives kids facing systemic barriers an equal chance to succeed through a comprehensive array of after-school academic, arts, athletics, and wellness programs. Since its start, music has been at the heart of HOLA, which tackles systemic barriers by offering kids a comprehensive array of after-school academic, arts, athletics, and wellness programs. Recently, HOLA announced a partnership with the Los Angeles Children's Chorus (LACC) to bring choral music education to its campus, expanding the reach of its arts education. https://lnkd.in/gc_UhnEc

Are you an organization working with young adults? FAFSA completion is low this year due to challenges in rolling out the updated form. You can use this social media toolkit to encourage young people to fill out the FAFSA. It's especially important to note that 1. It is not too late for students to complete the form and get the money they deserve; 2. Most people who complete the form get some money to help pay for college; 3. More people than ever qualify for financial aid; and 4. The form is simpler, is now working, and takes as little as 10 minutes to fill out. Please share with youth and encourage them to #DoTheFAFSA! https://lnkd.in/gDW2VaMv

Get to know our grantee: PolicyLink is a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity. The organization is driven by an inspiring and inclusive mandate of transformative change for the 100 million people in America living at or near poverty—55 percent are people of color. PolicyLink is compelled to deliver on one unifying result: ensuring all people in the United States—particularly those who face the burdens of structural racism—participate in a flourishing multiracial democracy, prosper in an equitable economy, and live in thriving communities of opportunity. https://lnkd.in/gxPSPN5A

Sharing this great impact story from our grantee ideas42!

Get to know our grantee: The National Black Child Development Institute fights for the creation of an equitable and just future for Black children and families. It does this by mobilizing communities and igniting movements to foster a sense of community and belonging where Black children feel supported and valued. NBCDI delivers culturally relevant resources to Black communities centered around their Eight Essential Outcomes. Our grant supports NBCDI as it increases the impact of its Family Empowerment Program, which equips Black families with the knowledge, tools, and skills needed to foster their children's learning and development. https://lnkd.in/epqHKgJU

Congrats to Ballmer Group grantee iMentor! It's their 25th anniversary, and the organization is evolving its mission to include innovative technology for connecting students to mentors, partnerships with colleges for support in transitions, career-connected learning throughout college, and counseling for job placement as students near graduation. They also recently launched the first-ever National "Bring Your Mentee to Work Day!" https://lnkd.in/gJNuerGp

Learn more about our grantee, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), through this impact update:   CEO recently announced the expansion of its Advanced Training Pathways program to provide people with criminal records access to high-quality, well-paying careers in fields with fewer barriers to entry, such as commercial driving, heavy equipment operation, fiber optic technology, solar installation, skilled construction trades, and information technology. By helping people gain training and credentials, CEO provides a promising start and reduces barriers to jobs that pay family wages. https://lnkd.in/g3z8Nv8R

Congratulations to our grantee, A Way Home WA! The Seattle Times writes about their success in reducing youth and young adult homelessness by 40%.

The Families and Workers Fund just announced the Benefits Access and Equity Initiative, a five-year, $45 million philanthropic effort to strengthen the U.S. public benefits system and build economic security. Partnering with government and nonprofits, they aim to support the delivery of $3.5 billion in public benefits like unemployment insurance, SNAP, and Medicaid to 1.5 million people across the country. Funders in civic tech, poverty, hunger, or any mission related to economic security and opportunity are encouraged to learn more and get involved at https://lnkd.in/gCpmXKNy.

Let's hear from our recently promoted staff about their exciting new roles and what they are looking forward to.    Emma Uman, Director, National Career Success  Ballmer Group’s Career Success portfolio focuses on expanding access to high quality training and education experiences that yield increased employment and earnings outcomes. expanding pathways and eliminating college and workforce training barriers. As the National Director, I develop strategy and lead grantmaking focused on supporting young adults in reaching their employment ambitions.