“Real progress in closing the last-mile gap could potentially benefit millions of Americans, economists say. Navigating the unfamiliar complexity of the labor market can be particularly difficult for the two-thirds of the nation’s workers without four-year college degrees, with low incomes and people of color.
The comprehensive training approach has been refined at successful nonprofits that have spent decades dedicated to lifting people into the middle class, including Year Up, Per Scholas and Goodwill. They arrange for assistance with housing, transportation and child care for students, when needed. And they have strong links with local employers, tailoring their programs to hiring needs.”