Business Details
Empowering Pathways to Economic Mobility
STRIVE has been a national leader in workforce development for over four decades, dedicated to empowering individuals facing systemic employment barriers. Founded in East Harlem, New York, our mission centers on providing tuition-free skills training, job-readiness programs, and lifelong personal coaching to adults aged 18+. Through tailored initiatives, we bridge critical skills and opportunity gaps, enabling participants to achieve economic mobility and long-term career success. Our partnerships with employers, funders, and community organizations create sustainable workforce solutions that strengthen families and local economies. With locations in New York, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans, and North Jersey, we deliver region-specific programs while maintaining a consistent focus on transformative outcomes.Our team of experienced professionals, including certified program officers and executive directors, ensures high-quality service delivery across all locations. We prioritize equitable access to opportunity, offering specialized support for individuals impacted by the justice system. Our proven methodologies have helped thousands of graduates secure life-changing careers, demonstrating measurable impact through annual reports and success stories. As a trusted nonprofit, we adhere to rigorous standards of transparency, accountability, and community engagement. Our commitment to innovation is reflected in evolving programs like the Fresh Start initiative and strategic partnerships that address emerging workforce needs.
Services
Workforce Development
Job-Readiness Training
Career Coaching
Employer Partnerships
Justice System Support
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven expertise in workforce development
- Our programs include lifetime personal coaching and career support
- We specialize in serving adults with complex employment barriers
- Our employer partnerships create direct pathways to job opportunities
- We operate in five major metropolitan areas with localized programs
Services
Workforce Development
Our workforce development programs provide comprehensive job skills training tailored to local market needs. Participants receive hands-on instruction in high-demand industries, combined with soft skills development and career counseling. The curriculum prepares adults for immediate employment while building long-term career advancement capabilities through ongoing support.
Job-Readiness Training
This intensive training focuses on essential job search skills including resume writing, interview techniques, and workplace communication. Participants gain confidence through mock interviews and receive personalized feedback to improve their employment prospects. The program emphasizes practical application through direct connections with hiring partners.
Career Coaching
Our certified coaches provide one-on-one support throughout participants' career journeys. Services include career path planning, job placement assistance, and ongoing professional development. Coaches maintain long-term relationships with graduates, offering continuous guidance to ensure sustained employment and career growth beyond initial job placement.
Employer Partnerships
We develop strategic partnerships with businesses to create customized hiring solutions. Services include candidate screening, skills gap analysis, and tailored training programs that align with specific organizational needs. These partnerships ensure employers access qualified candidates while participants gain direct pathways to meaningful employment opportunities.
Justice System Support
Specialized programs assist individuals with criminal records in overcoming employment barriers. Services include record expungement guidance, reentry planning, and targeted job placement in industries that accept applicants with criminal histories. The program emphasizes personal development and workplace readiness to facilitate successful reintegration.
People
Philip Weinberg
President & CEO
Philip Weinberg leads STRIVE's national operations with over 25 years of nonprofit management experience. He has expanded the organization's reach to five metropolitan areas while maintaining its core mission of economic empowerment through workforce development.
Donnell Hill
Executive Director, Strive North Jersey
As founding director of STRIVE North Jersey, Donnell Hill has developed regional partnerships that connect participants with employment opportunities. His leadership focuses on creating sustainable career pathways for underserved communities in the New Jersey corridor.
Jomal Vailes
Executive Director, Strive Atlanta
Jomal Vailes oversees Atlanta operations, implementing innovative training programs that address local workforce challenges. He has expanded the Atlanta center's impact through collaborations with regional employers and community organizations to increase employment outcomes.
Angela Shiloh Cryer
Executive Director, Strive New Orleans
Angela Shiloh Cryer leads New Orleans initiatives focused on economic revitalization through workforce development. Her work emphasizes creating career opportunities for justice-involved individuals and expanding vocational training programs that meet regional industry demands.
Jonathan Bonaiuto
VP of Strategy & Growth
Jonathan Bonaiuto drives organizational expansion and program innovation at STRIVE. With expertise in nonprofit strategy, he develops growth initiatives that maintain program quality while scaling services to reach more participants across existing and new geographic markets.
Questions
What services does STRIVE offer for job seekers?
STRIVE provides free job-readiness training, career coaching, resume development, interview preparation, and lifetime employment support to help adults achieve career success.
Who qualifies for STRIVE's programs?
Our programs serve adults aged 18+ facing employment barriers, including those impacted by the justice system, with no prior work experience, or seeking career advancement.
Are STRIVE's programs available in multiple locations?
We operate in five major metropolitan areas: New York City, Atlanta, Birmingham, New Orleans, and North Jersey, with region-specific program offerings.
How does STRIVE support employers?
We partner with employers to provide customized workforce solutions, including job candidate screening, skills training, and talent pipeline development to meet specific business needs.
Is there a cost for STRIVE's training programs?
All our core workforce development programs are completely tuition-free for participants, funded through partnerships and philanthropic support.
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Reviews (4)
Zadia
Nov 26, 2021
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Not a bad program if you are seeking certifications relating to healthcare or construction the people who conducted the class where great however the employment specialist was so rude on the phone for no reason seems like she doesn't consider how other people feel or what they are going through after talking with her on the phone she really made me feel like I was unworthy and wasting her time she doesn't have any sympathy when taking with other, at least learn how to speak with others with some sort of respect. She doesn't help you with job hunting better off finding a job on your own.
Kenya Askew
Sep 23, 2021
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STRIVE is a very good program, just started on Monday. The program is good I am gaining a lot of knowledge with peers, Latisha Smith, and Ms. Belinda as well she pushed me on passing the test as well. The classes are really good and everyone keeps me very positive. Just think of this program as a real job, that's how my mindset is. Now I am going to do my CPR hands on, then I would do my food license handler, blood borne, and the OSHA-10. It feels good to learn something new
D. W.
May 17, 2021
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This organization is the best in what they do. STRIVE offers opportunities for individuals to get their lives back. Positive minds striving for positive change through mindful possibilities.
Andre Coleman
May 06, 2021
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Awesome organization! Worked as facilitator for one of their programs. Upper management was extremely supportive and invited ideas to help continued development of programming and staff.
