November 6, 2023
Today, the City launched the winter 2024 Upskill SBcohort targeting job seekers, professionals, and recent high school or college graduates to earn industry-standard job certifications. By offering a wide range of training options and reimbursing certification costs, Upskill SBwill continue to develop and retain talent within South Bend.
“Participants will be able to study and work within their own unique schedules with online and self-paced courses.” said Director of Civic Innovation, Madi Rogers. “Upskill SB’s flexible design allows participants who wouldn’t be available to take traditional in-person classes the opportunity to become certified in a new skill.”
The program will accept 20-25 South Bend residents and will assist in identifying training and certifications that best fit each participant’s career interests and goals. Certifications are based in technical, traditional, and climate action fields, such as cloud computing, cyber security, data analytics, human resources, project management, solar technologies, green building, and green real estate.
Through Upskill SB, the City will reimburse 100% of exam costs and at least 50% of any training costs. Additional financial aid will be made available for qualifying participants. Participants may also be eligible for technology borrowing for those who do not have access to a computer or broadband internet.
Participants must hold a high school diploma or GED and must live or work in South Bend for traditional courses, and live or work in St. Joseph County for climate-related courses.
Residents can apply and learn more about Upskill SB by visiting southbendin.gov/upskillSB. The application will remain open until the cohort is full or until January 5th.