Bridges to Career Opportunities

Bridges to Career Opportunities (Bridges) is a LISC model that helps adults who are unemployed and underemployed train for, land, and advance in jobs in local growth industries—sectors such as healthcare, construction, and technology—by helping them overcome the roadblocks to success. The majority of Bridges clients are people of color and women, representing the groups facing the highest systemic obstacles to opportunity in our economy.

Many adults eager to work are unable to take advantage of traditional training programs due to limited math or reading abilities, or because of financial, childcare, or transportation challenges. Bridges offers services to meet these challenges head-on, so that participants can stay in training, find work, and ultimately earn more. Through Bridges, participants work with local Centers for Working Families partners to ramp up foundational literacy and math skills, get technical training, and pursue certifications for in-demand industries.

How we do it

The Bridges to Career Opportunities initiative is integrated into our Centers for Working Families (CWF) - or known in our National LISC network as the Financial Opportunity Center® program. Neighborhood residents can take advantage of:

Math, reading and/or English remediation that is industry-specific and relevant to the career track a client is pursuing. This puts adult learners on a “fast track” to upgrade or refresh their skills as preparation for technical training.
Vocational training at an CWF agency, community partner or local community college
Job-hunting skills that include resume-writing, interviewing and dressing professionally
“Soft skills” for the workplace like communication, conflict resolution and time management
Understanding of the field, such as pay and hours, work expectations
Ongoing support from CWF employment and financial coaches to set and achieve personal goals

By blending this training with financial coaching, clients take the reins of their economic and professional lives.

Where are Bridges sites in Indianapolis?

Established in 2016, the Indianapolis Bridges Network is currently made up of seven neighborhood-based sites within Marion County. Each of these sites demonstrates a strong, credible presence in their community and a proven track record of providing effective workforce services.