Why employers?
Employers want to increase diversity within their workforces. “Disconnected youth” are disproportionately people of color, and UP will help businesses uplift and empower the potential of a vast and diverse talent pool.
Companies are increasingly engaging on social issues. Through UP they can do so by using hiring and other resources to honor their commitments to fight the drivers of racism, poverty, incarceration and more.
Businesses are community leaders, and as such strive to help make their communities better and safer places to live and work. By widening the positive options available for youth who are at-risk through UP, businesses can help divert youth from justice-involvement.
Investing in future corporate leadership is critical to success. By providing long-term career opportunities through UP, companies can help curate and grow tomorrow’s leaders, with the diverse range of perspectives and backgrounds necessary to thrive.
As of May 2023, there were still 9.8 million vacant jobs. Companies need to fill positions, and UP will help them tap into an often overlooked workforce segment.
“Businesses have an existential responsibility to engage on social issues like race and justice. By hiring and training at-risk young people, they can interrupt destructive cycles of unemployment and incarceration. Unlock Potential won’t just make our companies more prosperous and diverse - our communities safer - it will grow the next generation of leaders.”
— Celia Ouellette
Founder, Responsible Business Initiative for Justice