AUSTIN, Texas—Skillpoint Alliance—a Central Texas 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides fast-paced, no-cost job training in the skilled trades to lower-income, underserved and under-accessed populations—announced today it received a Blue Impact grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, an award reflecting BCBSTX’s dedication to community-based organizations that prioritize the well-being of children and families.
The grant, Expanding Economic Opportunity in Texas by Addressing Poverty Through Employment Training and Upskilling, recognizes the crucial role of local organizations in fostering positive change, tackling underlying factors that influence health, including socio-economic challenges, and promoting economic opportunities. Participants enrolled in Skillpoint Alliance programs often return to the workforce after time away, have experienced a previous hardship, or are looking to learn foundational skills that will set them on a new pathway to employment in a short amount of time.
“The funding from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas will help us reach an increased number of students and expand the wraparound services we provide, such as childcare and transportation,” Kevin Brackmeyer, CEO of Skillpoint Alliance, said. “Through grants like this, we are able to make a real difference in people’s lives by helping them to overcome obstacles and secure meaningful careers.”
BCBSTX has awarded more than $25 million in grants to community organizations statewide since 2011, touching the lives of millions of Texas children and families.
“Blue Impact grants help pave the way for healthier futures for children and families across Texas,” said Sheena Payne, director of BCBSTX community affairs. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s recipients and look forward to witnessing the impact of their innovative programs on the communities we both serve.”
Skillpoint Alliance offers four workforce development programs: Pre-Apprentice Electrical, Pre-Apprentice Plumbing, HVAC Technician and Advanced Manufacturing where students become certified production technicians (CPT). Students will earn their OSHA10 safety certification and will receive help to obtain industry specific certifications that include the HVAC Registered ACR Technician License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration, Lean Six Sigma White Belt certification, Texas Department of Licensing and Registration Electrical Apprentice License, Plumber’s Apprentice License from the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration/Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners.
For more information about Skillpoint Alliance, please visit https://skillpointalliance.org/.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) — the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas — is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with more than 168,000 physicians and health care practitioners, and 550 hospitals to serve nearly 8 million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma, and New Mexico). Health Care Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
About Skillpoint Alliance
Skillpoint Alliance is a 501(c)3 workforce development organization that provides in-demand workforce training to vulnerable members of the Central Texas community. The organization partners with local industry to offer unique professional training and educational opportunities at no cost to participants. Skillpoint Alliance was founded in 1994 and has since become the premier provider of rapid workforce training in Austin and the Permian Basin. Skillpoint Alliance works continuously to build strong partnerships with local businesses, foundations, community-based organizations, and government agencies in order to grow and support its mission of connecting low-income individuals with career pathways in growing local industries. In 2018, Skillpoint Alliance launched a redesigned and customized Pre-Apprentice Electrical class, followed by a Pre-Apprentice Plumbing program in 2019—and concurrently offers HVAC Technician training, Certified Production Technician, and various other short-term and customizable training options. www.skillpointalliance.org