PHILADELPHIA – More than 160 Philadelphians and City employees were recognized yesterday evening for completing workforce development programs through City College for Municipal Employment (CCME), a Parker Administration initiative expanding access to education, career training, and economic opportunity across Philadelphia. Hosted at the Community College of Philadelphia, the CCME Completion Ceremony recognized residents and City employees for investing in themselves and taking steps toward a meaningful career and long-term economic opportunity.
Established by the Parker administration in October 2024, CCME removes barriers to advancement and provides free workforce training opportunities for Philadelphians seeking careers with the City. Since its launch, CCME has expanded beyond municipal workforce development to create pathways into growing industries across the region, while also investing in the City’s current workforce and future generations.
“When I became Mayor, I knew that creating a safer, cleaner, greener Philadelphia also meant creating access to economic opportunity,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “CCME was built with that mission in mind, making sure Philadelphians can access free training, higher education opportunities, and pathways into meaningful careers. We are preparing residents for the jobs of today and the industries of tomorrow, from public service and healthcare to advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and technology.”
Last night’s ceremony recognized participants from several CCME initiatives including Bridges to Employment, Upskilling for current City employees, CCME Civic Entrepreneurs, and High School Power Skills. In its second year, CCME has grown from 24 completers in two programs to over 160 completers across 5 different programs. Since October 2024, nearly 500 Philadelphians have enrolled in one of CCME’s core programs at CCP.
“City College for Municipal Employment is anchored in an unwavering commitment to student success,” said Dr. Alycia Marshall, President of Community College of Philadelphia. “We define that success not only by achievement in the classroom, but by our students’ ability to translate learning into meaningful, family-sustaining careers. Through our deep partnership with the City of Philadelphia, we are building intentional pathways into public service, which equips students with the skills needed to advance and lead. It is a profound honor to witness our students’ growth and to see their talents strengthen the civic and economic vitality of Philadelphia.”
“Through my participation in CCME I developed professionalism, emotional intelligence, leadership skills, and the ability to navigate real world environments with confidence, said Ahniah Hickman, a graduate of CCME Bridge to Employment program. “I realized I was in the right place was when I saw how many people genuinely wanted us to succeed. Being surrounded by motivated students and mentors made me realize I wasn’t just chasing a job; I was building a career, a network, and a future for myself.”
Whether supporting high school students exploring career readiness, Community College of Philadelphia students considering public service careers, or current City employees seeking to grow professionally, CCME is expanding access to education, training, and economic mobility. CCME is also helping introduce students to career pathways earlier through partnerships with the School District of Philadelphia, creating opportunities for young people to explore public service and other in-demand industries.
“The School District of Philadelphia is proud to partner in expanding career exposure and workforce opportunities for our students,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington, Sr., Ed.D., School District of Philadelphia. “By connecting students to career readiness programs and pathways into public service and other growing industries, we are helping young people envision their futures and prepare for long-term success.”
CCME represents a collaborative effort between the City of Philadelphia, the Community College of Philadelphia, the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works, and a network of workforce and education partners committed to expanding access to opportunity. By investing in residents at every stage of their career journey, from high school students exploring their futures to current employees advancing their skills, CCME is helping build a stronger workforce, stronger families, and a stronger Philadelphia.
View photos from the event.