Social Finance is partnering with United Way Miami on the United Way Miami Workforce Project, the first Pay It Forward Fund in the state of Florida, to upskill Miami residents for in-demand jobs that lead to economic mobility. The project enables people with low incomes in Miami-Dade County—especially veterans, people of color, and single female heads of household—to enroll in high-quality job training and move into family-sustaining careers. The inaugural training provider in the project is 4Geeks Academy, a coding bootcamp that provides technical training, mentorship, and career support to the Miami-Dade community.
Goals
Expand access to training: Minimize risks for learners by covering their upfront tuition costs and providing supportive services to help them succeed. Learners only repay program costs if they land and keep a job above a certain salary.
Power the local economy: Upskill Miami-Dade residents for careers in software development and other in-demand fields, amplifying economic opportunity in the region.
Create a sustainable cycle of training: The project is structured as a Pay It Forward Fund—participants who find jobs “pay it forward” into a common fund to support future learners.
We believe that the Pay It Forward model, a workforce development program based on the individual’s ability to repay, is an innovative solution to allow those in the program to thrive and help others in the community.
United Way Miami is providing the upfront capital for the program and supportive services such as case managers, legal support, and financial coaches for learners.
Social Finance is raising the fund and managing the program toward optimal student outcomes.
4GeeksAcademy is the inaugural training provider offering career training and job placement support services to learners.
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