Training Grounds' Impact

Training Grounds is making an impact daily on the lives of underserved and underutilized urban youth and adults.  Hear directly from our participants and partners to learn about the way Training Grounds is changing lives.

A few years ago, Rinita “stumbled upon” a Training Grounds class being given at the Hope Center in Anacostia in southeast Washington, DC. She was in a low-paying job, had just given birth to her son, and was not sure how she was going to support herself and her family. Early on in the class, she began to see how she had been sabotaging the talents she carried within by doubting herself and failing to have confidence in her dreams and aspirations. Tom helped her to dig down deep inside and recognize the gifts she had to offer the world, and then pulled her out of her comfort zone to risk putting these gifts to work. “We’re all works in progress,” he said. “You’ve got to put yourself out there and make it through the obstacles. Focus. Take responsibility for yourself, and don’t take anything personally.” The class worked on business etiquette and dress, communication, interview skills, teamwork, workplace ethics and how to sell yourself and your ideas in the marketplace. “I always knew I had potential,” says Rinita, “I just didn’t know how to use it. In Training Grounds, I had a chance to try out my ideas and see that I could make a difference. I learned how to represent myself and Training Grounds in a positive way wherever I went and I learned to be accountable for myself and not make excuses."

Accomplishments:

• In 2007, 101 young people ages 16-24 successfully completed the Training Grounds Personal Development Skills and Career Exploration program.  Ninety-five percent (95%) of those participants live in underserved communities and had multiple barriers to employment.

• In a Training Grounds class of 56 students aged 18-24, 60% converted corporate apprenticeships into full time jobs with an average starting salary of $38,000. These students were originally unemployed or working in minimum wage jobs. Their new employers include Freddie Mac, AOL, The Post, The Carlyle Group, Radio One, Capital One, Marriott International, Ernst & Young, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Inova Health Systems. Lockheed Martin, Morgan Stanley, and Perot Systems.

• Training Grounds placed 40 out of 45 juniors and seniors enrolled in the Young America Works Public Charter Vocational High School in internships lasting from 3 to 9 months with less than 20% of the students having prior work experience. Ninety three (93%) of these students completed their internships with such companies and organizations as Atlantic Services Group, JBG Companies, Horning Brothers, the National Zoo, SAB Media, Signature Technology Solutions, Taste & See, KIPP Academies, Multimedia Institute, and Children of Mine.