240 participants will receive career training and wrap-around support services
Irvine, CA. (March 26, 2025) – Orange County United Way today announced that the organization was chosen to receive a $2M grant from the State of California’s Employment Development Department for its Orange County Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathways Program (OYACPP)* in partnership with Goodwill OC, Chrysalis, Working Wardrobes, and MECCA OC, to provide career training and wrap-around support services to young adults aged 18-28 in Orange County.
“We believe in the potential of our young adults. They deserve access to high-quality training, living-wage careers, and the opportunity to live, work, and thrive in the very place they call home. This program is more than job training, it’s a game-changer for our community, ensuring that the next generation is prepared, empowered, and positioned for success both personally and professionally,” said Andrew Fahmy, Executive Director of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial Security initiative.
The OYACPP will offer industry-specific training in technology, healthcare, and professional services, along with career navigation, soft skills development, and critical support services. The program will enroll 240 participants total, with the goal of 161 participants earning credentials and 175 participants securing employment.
Goodwill OC, Chrysalis, and Working Wardrobes will play a key role in providing career coaching and case management, ensuring participants receive the guidance and support needed to navigate their career journeys. These partners, along with Orange County United Way, have extensive expertise in workforce development. Through initiatives like UpSkill OC, Orange County United Way has a strong track record of helping underemployed and unemployed adults gain the skills and opportunities needed for long-term career success.
“Our deep roots within Orange County ensure a strong foundation for this program, equipping young adults with the skills and resources needed for long-term success,” added Fahmy.
For more information about Orange County United Way, visit: UnitedWayOC.org.
For more information about the United for Financial Security initiative, visit: ocuw.to/financial-security.
* Federal Funding Disclosure: The Opportunity Young Adult Career Pathway Program Fund is funded by a grant award of $25 million (100%) from the U.S. Department of Labor, with $0 (0%) financed from non-federal sources.
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way is committed to breaking barriers and improving lives for everyone who lives here. Through our key initiatives—United for Student Success℠, United for Financial Security℠, and United to End Homelessness℠—we are working to ensure local students succeed, families gain financial security, and our unhoused neighbors find a place to call home. We also offer vital support via 2-1-1 Orange County (211OC), a key service that connects thousands of our most vulnerable residents with health and human service resources. We are committed to caring for one another. That’s #TheOCWay.
Orange County United Way is a standalone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Annie Noebel, anoebel@cornerstonecomms.com, 949-449-2527
