Workforce development program
Program for adults: "the food pantry of the 21st century"
Ariel Unlimited Group, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, collaborates with community organizations, local governments, and schools to develop targeted job training programs for youth and unemployed individuals in underserved communities.
As the U.S. economy becomes more reliant on automation, the internet, and AI, many citizens struggle to meet the education and training demands of the new workforce. Ariel Unlimited Group recognizes the need for adaptable, creative, and focused training programs to prepare various populations for 21st-century jobs.
Core Vision
Our mission is to provide technology training to underserved populations, enabling them to secure economically viable job opportunities. The Ariel Workforce Development Plan focuses on equipping students with web development and social media marketing skills for entry-level jobs. Key features of our training program include:
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Industry-Recognized Certifications: Students complete a proven curriculum and earn credentials in their chosen technology workstreams.
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Real-World Application: Group assignments in technology labs focus on solving real-world problems, preparing students for the workforce.
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Internship Opportunities: Graduates can participate in an eight-week internship, applying their skills at local businesses. During this period, they receive mentoring and support from Department of Labor specialists to refine resumes, improve interview skills, and transition into full-time employment.
Leveraging Partnerships
Ariel Unlimited operates within an ecosystem of partners who are invested in building a skilled workforce. Our partnerships include:
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Local Governments and Non-Profits: Collaboration ensures the program aligns with community needs.
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Employers and Educational Institutions: Feedback from local businesses, colleges, and vocational schools helps refine the curriculum to meet industry standards.
Target Participants
Our program is designed for individuals aged 18 and above who are unemployed, seeking career changes, or living in economically distressed areas. Specific demographics we serve include:
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High school juniors and seniors.
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Individuals aging out of the foster care system.
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Adults in rural areas interested in remote technology work.
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Adults receiving SNAP benefits.
The Pilot Program
The pilot is a three-month training course focused on web development using Adobe Dreamweaver and digital marketing via Meta platforms. Students attend two sessions per week and work in cohorts of approximately seven individuals. Key skills covered include:
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Creating and managing websites using Dreamweaver and related software.
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Utilizing Facebook Messenger and Instagram for business development, audience engagement, and social media campaigns.
For the final project, students gain practical experience by developing websites and marketing campaigns for small businesses on a pro-bono basis.
Developing Partnerships
To ensure the program meets community needs, Ariel will collaborate with:
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Workforce Development Boards: Offering tailored curriculums that address local workforce demands.
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Department of Labor One-Stop Centers: These centers help identify students and connect them with businesses that need pro-bono website and marketing assistance.
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Local Employers: We engage employers to ensure the curriculum stays aligned with industry trends and job requirements.
Continuous Improvement
The primary goal of the pilot is to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. During this phase, we aim to:
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Gain a deeper understanding of each community’s needs.
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Revise the curriculum to ensure practical, relevant skill-building.
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Provide strong support to maintain student engagement and successful completion of the course.
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Foster a collaborative, supportive, and challenging learning environment.
