PHILADELPHIA – Today Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced an over $2 million investment in new workforce development partnerships to expand the impact of the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME). The Center for Black Educator Development (CBED), Black Brain Campaign, Unite Here Philly, and SEIU 32BJ were selected by the Parker Administration as leaders in their industries and for their current workforce development efforts and ability to scale current programs and bring new opportunities to Philadelphians.
CCME currently offers free skills and technical training in Skilled Trades, Healthcare, STEM, Business Administration, Public Safety, and IT through a partnership with Community College of Philadelphia (CCP). These additional four partnerships will expand CCME’s impact and offerings by supporting external facing efforts around the teacher talent pipeline, behavioral health pipeline needs and quality union jobs in critical sectors of Philadelphia’s economy. These efforts will also support employers to upskill, train and develop Philadelphians currently working in these sectors.
“The City College of Municipal Employment (CCME) is continuing to grow today and create even more pathways to quality jobs and meaningful work. Recruiting and training diverse high-quality teachers and social workers and behavioral health staff not only supports Philadelphia families’ health and wellbeing, but it will also educate and empower residents looking for a rewarding career,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Our city is also host to a flourishing restaurant and entertainment scene and we’re expecting even more visitors than usual in 2026. The expansion into training for quality union jobs in hospitality and food services is essential to providing economic stability and opportunity to residents and an excellent standard of service to local patrons and visitors.”
The City of Philadelphia intends to award up to the following:
- $500,000 to the Center for Black Educator Development (CBED) to support their Freedom School Literacy Academy, launch two additional Teaching Academies, cover attendee expenses for the Black Male Educator Conference, and launch a city-wide outreach plan to attract youth to the teaching profession.
- $500,000 to the Black Brain Campaign to equip aspiring Licensed Social Workers (LSWs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) based in the School District of Philadelphia with the necessary training, experience, and supervision to successfully obtain licensure in Pennsylvania through the LEAP Program.
- $1 million to Unite Here Mid-Atlantic Training and Scholarship Fund to launch the first registered culinary apprenticeship program in Philadelphia, as well as skill-specific training in culinary, housekeeping and bartending for community members.
- $250,000 to SEIU 32BJ to create a 40+ hour professional development upskilling program for 200 incumbent Center City security guards.
“The City is building upon its partnership with the School District of Philadelphia through CCME by investing in strategic partnerships with the Center for Black Educator Development and the Black Brain Campaign. These partnerships will support student success as well as create economic opportunities for Philadelphians seeking meaningful careers,” said Dr. Debora Carrera EdD., Chief Education Officer. “These partnerships and programs will inspire more young Philadelphians to pursue careers in education and increase Philadelphia’s capacity to provide culturally competent mental health services for students and families.”
“We are working really hard to be the fastest improving school district because the children of Philadelphia absolutely deserve that. We know the power of great teachers. It is the number one factor determining whether or not children succeed,” said Dr. Tony Watlington Sr., Superintendent, School District of Philadelphia. “The District is deliberately cultivating future educators. We are SDP and we are moving forward with a sense of urgency!”
CCME launched in October 2024 and has already started opening doors to career growth and economic opportunity for Philadelphians, 24 participants graduated from the program in May and there are currently 60 enrolled in CCME programs this summer. These additional investments ensure CCME will continue expanding its impact and providing options for Philadelphians to access training and professional development at no cost to them.