Five local nonprofits are offering the initiative in its second year
Submitted By United Way of Central Indiana
Careers that require credentials – a commercial driver’s license or health care certification, for example – can earn people livable wages that help their families thrive.
But barriers stand in the way.
First, there’s the price tag. Earning a commercial driver’s license can cost at least $5,000. Certified medical administrative assistant: $4,900.
Then, there’s the time commitment: often months of training.
On top of that, families must find – and pay for – child care. They may need a laptop or equipment for training that they can’t afford. They may have an unreliable car or lack transportation to get to and from training.
Now in its second year, United Way of Central Indiana’s Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative is designed to be an “on ramp” for people seeking industry-recognized credentials. The initiative eliminates barriers and helps participants earn certifications and land jobs that pay livable wages – on a quick timeline.
Beginning in July 2024, Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League piloted the initiative in its first year. United Way funding covered the cost of participants’ training and certification testing, helped eliminate barriers and allowed the nonprofits to hire a coach to guide them through training and employment – and beyond.
In that first year, the initiative served more people than United Way and its partners anticipated: 76 enrolled – and 41 earned credentials.
In July 2025, United Way expanded this work: Fathers and Families Center, Public Advocates in Community Re-Entry (PACE) and Indiana Plan joined Dress for Success Indianapolis and Indianapolis Urban League in offering the initiative.
What is the impact? In the first year, Dress for Success Indianapolis helped women earn Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credentials, in a field where jobs are essential and in-demand.
Karrise was one of the program’s graduates. After a stroke in 2016, Karrise could no longer work the physically demanding jobs she one held. Now with her CMAA, Karrise can see herself in a health care job that is meaningful, where she can stay for the long term and work up the career ladder.
“Our work doesn’t stop. There is a huge need for this type of programming,” said Bernadette Monk, United Way’s economic mobility director. “Residents and neighbors are interested in short-term credentials, because it gives them hope. In that quick amount of time, they’re able to see their income increase.”
Read – and watch – more about Karrise’s journey and the Workforce Pathways Accelerator Initiative’s first year on United Way’s website: https://www.uwci.org/blog/2025-dress-for-success-workforce-pathways-initiative
