UCM Joins Area Partnership Targeting Job Training for Low-Income Adults

By Janice Phelan, November 6, 2019

The University of Central Missouri recently joined a collaborative partnership designed to provide job skills training to low-income adults in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Led by the Truman Heartland Community Foundation, the partnership also includes Community Services League, Mid-Continent Public Library and Herndon Career Center.

“We believe these organizations bring unique assets to the table and by working together, we can successfully equip families to work their way out of poverty,” said Phil Hanson, president and CEO of Truman Heartland Community Foundation.

The organizations began meeting in August to plan the new program, known as the Job Skills Training Initiative. The initial phase of the pilot will focus on eastern Jackson County.

“We hope to build sustainable career pathway programs that can help eastern Jackson County residents increase their talents to start or enhance their careers,” said Joe Mullins of the University of Central Missouri.

The University of Central Missouri, which has campus locations in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, is a recognized leader in providing workforce skills in areas such as healthcare, information technology, business and manufacturing. In addition to offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs, UCM offers a number of career certificate programs that provide adult students with a solid preparation for jobs in high-demand areas. Some programs can be completed in as little as six weeks, offering graduates an accelerated pathway to a successful new career. UCM’s Workforce Development programs are located at the university’s Lee’s Summit location in the Missouri Innovation Campus.

Truman Heartland Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity committed to improving the communities in and around Eastern Jackson County through cooperation with community members and donors.