UofL, Louisville Urban League partnering for Louisville Skills

Four Louisville-based entities are partnering to support a paid training program that will teach unemployed and underemployed members of the Louisville community high-demand IT skills.

The Louisville Skills program, which is being supported by the Louisville Urban League, Humana, the University of Louisville and Interapt, will teach 25 people skills needed to work in a high-tech, fast-paced environment.

“The Louisville Urban League is excited to partner on this venture that will provide life-altering career opportunities for members of our community,” said Sadiqa Reynolds, president and CEO of the Urban League, in a news release. “We believe this program will be a welcomed addition to the projects already underway in the West End and make an impact for generations.”

Humana’s Community Relations Program, which awards grants to Louisville area nonprofits, is funding the program. The Urban League will provide wraparound support services for the program’s participants. The Urban League will also be hosting sign-up opportunities at its West Broadway location on Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m., as well as on Friday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The training will be taught at UofL’s new Center for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. UofL will focus its recruitment on the Louisville Metro area, as well as on individuals in the West End.

“The goal of the program is to improve the financial outcomes of the participants, helping both themselves and their families,” said UofL President Neeli Bendapudi in a statement. “UofL will perform rigorous outreach to find participants who have been historically underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. This innovative and forward-thinking partnership demonstrates our unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion in our community.”