Project OnRamp was JPMorgan Chase's first major investment in Dallas under its New Skills at Work Initiative. The $500,000 grant program enabled participants to transition from working poor to living wage status by bringing them to higher skill levels. Earning an average of just $9.95 an hour in Dallas County, certified nurse aides serve a pivotal role in the healthcare sector, but often live below the poverty level. Through Project OnRamp, 162 certified nurse aides received tuition and books and other support services to complete their patient care technician training at Dallas County Community College District in just six months.
From the Judges' Report
The submission had clear objectives and demonstrated measurable positive impacts on the students, institution, and community. The work could serve as a model for other institutions in educating adult healthcare workers for improving workforce development and higher wages.
