Penn, Drexel, CHOP, USciences, Brandywine Realty Trust, and Allied Universal have long committed to changing lives – and hiring local talent – through the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative. The Lenfest support expands these relationships and accelerates a place-based plan against poverty. In its first three years, the partners pledge to connect 600 previously unemployed West Philadelphians to careers, resulting in more than $16.1 million in wages generated locally. An additional 250 adults and high school students in West Philadelphia will attain credentials, certifications, and career exposure, setting them on meaningful pathways to employment. This work can sustain itself because it's not simply transformational for trainees, it's good business. World-class institutions require top-flight talent at all levels of their organizations to deliver the highest quality of service to their customers. When given a chance, local residents have proven over and over that they can perform to exemplary standards.