As more than 17 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the wake of economic disruption caused by COVID-19, Upwardly Global–a national nonprofit with a 20-year track record of success in job coaching for immigrant professionals in the US–is now offering free digital job search and skill-building tools to all U.S. job seekers, regardless of immigration status.
Two thousand complimentary licenses to Upwardly Global’s nationally-recognized digital job coaching portal will be made available to individual job seekers and to workforce development and community organizations across the country, thanks to a generous grant from SalesForce.
“Upwardly Global has deep experience in supporting vulnerable populations in rebuilding lives and careers after disruption–and now, as COVID has changed the reality of work for so many Americans, we’re committed to sharing what we’ve learned to help our country rebuild,” said Jina Krause-Vilmar, President and CEO of Upwardly Global.
COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of all Americans, yet data suggests that immigrant communities are among the hardest hit by the pandemic. Immigrants simultaneously working in jobs–including healthcare–on the front-lines of the crisis, putting them at increased risk of contracting the virus. They are also employed in industries that have been hard hit by the economic downturn. A recent Upwardly Global survey revealed that 50% of current clients have already suffered job loss or severe income reduction, resulting in the inability to meet basic needs. Despite these challenges, however, nearly 60% of jobseekers expressed a desire to continue to actively invest in their job search.
“Upwardly Global understands that other groups of workers–including our broader partner community–are likely facing uncertainty too, and economic hardship due layoffs, hiring freezes, and job search slowing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Krause-Vilmar. “We are actively seeking ways to support our community partners during these difficult times. We know that investing in contributions and skills for all Americans is necessary to weather this storm together, and be prepared to build a strong future workforce in partnership.”
Upwardly Global’s platform offers a set of foundational tools to assist in successfully navigating the U.S. job search, with a focus on:
- Preparing for the U.S. Job Search
- Enhancing Professional English Language Communication
- Mastering the Phone Interview
- Updating and Improving LinkedIn Profiles
Resources are designed for job seekers with an intermediate to advanced level of English, along with some vocational or technical training, or a bachelor’s degree or higher. While Upwardly Global has traditionally focused on job coaching and skill-building for immigrant and refugee professionals, the organization has curated tools most relevant to a wider audience of U.S. workers, particularly individuals from vulnerable communities.
Free access is available to all job seekers until October 1, 2020. Register at https://www.upwardlyglobal.org/public-portal/
Upwardly Global, founded in 2000, is the first and longest-serving organization focusing on integrating immigrant and refugee professionals into the U.S. workforce. Upwardly Global’s innovative skill-building and networking programs coach newcomers in rebuilding professional careers and U.S. employers in accessing their talents with inclusive hiring practices. To date, Upwardly Global has trained more than 14,000 people. Learn more at www.upwardlyglobal.org.