Here’s some exciting news about a West Philly-based organization that has been helping unemployed but motivated local talent to get job training and pursue hiring opportunities with local employers. The West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, founded by the University City District (UCD) in 2009, has recently dropped “West Philadelphia” from its name. The reason is the rapid expansion beyond the West Philly borders over the past few years, which is impacting new neighborhoods and new industries. So, the new simplified name is The Skills Initiative.

“Although West Philadelphia is no longer in our name, it will always be our home. We will continue to be anchored in West Philadelphia, close to our University City District offices and founding major employer partners,” reads a recent announcement by UCD.

To go along with this exciting news, UCD has released a digital publication titled Skills Initiative: The Next Chapter, a collection of stories about employer partners, program alumni, funders, and staff that showcases the new Skills Initiative brand and impact. Click here to view or download the new publication.

A new look and logo have also been developed, driven by “a desire to match the quality of our visual presentation with the quality of our staff, services, and the talent of our participants.” The different colored blocks in the new logo represent the many stakeholders who make the Skills Initiative’s work possible.

For more information about the Skills Initiative, visit: philadelphiaskills.org.