Connecting to opportunities

University City District works to make University City hospitable to both employers and workers, and to help businesses grow and flourish. Our West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI) brings together universities and health systems, linking anchor institutions to community residents and focusing on career-ladder jobs with real potential for advancement.

West Philadelphia Skills Initiative

University City is home to nearly 60,000 jobs – many at some of the most prestigious academic and medical institutions in the world. Although these institutions have an authentic commitment to hiring from the neighborhood, residents are often ill-prepared for these jobs. This intersection of need and opportunity inspired UCD to create WPSI, with its three inter-connected components: the Youth Employment Network, Apprenticeship Programs, and Neighborhood Job Pipelines.

Youth

WSPI’s Youth Employment Network prepares high school students for careers.

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Adults

UCD connects neighborhood jobs to neighborhood residents.

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Partners

WPSI's partners make the skills initiative possible.

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Funders

The visionary funders who have joined with us to make WPSI a reality.

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Doing Business in University City

University City is one of the most hospitable areas in Philadelphia for new and established businesses. UCD offers numerous incentives and benefits that make owning a business in University City both uncomplicated and profitable. UCD works with businesses to attract clients and customers, maintain properties, and develop business plans, and offers technical, financial and marketing support. Learn what UCD can do for your business.