Partnership will connect RCC students to career-focused training, coaching, and employer pathways, expanding access to good jobs across Greater Boston
Roxbury Community College (RCC) and Skilled US today announced a new partnership designed to help hundreds of students complete high-demand workforce training programs and move into stable, well-paying careers. Under the partnership, Skilled US will serve as an intermediary connecting RCC’s academic programs to the community, wraparound student support, and employer opportunity — closing the gap between enrollment and economic mobility for adult learners across the region.
The partnership brings together RCC’s accredited career-training programs with Skilled US’s model of dedicated coaching, barrier removal, and employer-facing placement support. Together, the two organizations will work to ensure that students who enroll in workforce credential programs have the support they need to finish what they start — and to translate that credential into a job that changes their economic trajectory.
“Roxbury Community College is committed to creating clear pathways to education, meaningful careers, and greater economic opportunity for the communities we serve,” said Dr. Jonathan K. Jefferson, President of Roxbury Community College. “Our partnership with Skilled US builds on that commitment by connecting adult learners with the education, training, and support they need to move forward. By combining RCC’s workforce education and training with comprehensive student support and strong employer connections, we can help more students earn credentials, enter the workforce, and build sustainable careers. At RCC, we know that access is only the first step. Our responsibility is to ensure that students have the support and opportunities they need to turn education into economic mobility and long-term success.”
“Too often, the opportunity is there—the training exists, employers are hiring, and adults want better careers—but there are gaps between those pieces that prevent people from reaching the finish line,” said Laurie Dugan, Vice President of Postsecondary and Employer Partnerships at Skilled US. “This partnership is about closing those gaps. By combining RCC’s high-quality workforce programs with Skilled US’s recruitment, individualized support, funding navigation, and employer partnerships, we can create a clear pathway from the community to the classroom and ultimately to a career. Our goal isn’t simply to enroll students—it’s to help them complete their training, secure meaningful employment, and build lasting economic stability for themselves and their families.”
Through the partnership, Skilled US will provide:
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Community recruitment — identifying and connecting motivated adult learners across Greater Boston to RCC’s training programs, reaching residents who qualify but have not yet been connected to college
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Intake and eligibility screening — guiding prospective students through enrollment, documentation, and eligibility determination so no one falls out between first contact and their first day of class
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SNAP and funding alignment — helping eligible students access and stack the full range of available support, including SNAP Employment & Training, WIOA, and other public benefits and financial aid for which they qualify
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Wraparound supports and career navigation — a dedicated advocate for every student providing regular check-ins, early at-risk outreach, and help removing barriers like transportation, childcare, and financial instability, paired with career navigation aligned to each student’s chosen field
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Employer support — building and maintaining direct relationships with hiring partners across high-demand sectors, so completing a credential leads to a real job opportunity
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Outcomes tracking — transparent, shared reporting on enrollment, completion, and employment outcomes throughout the partnership
The partnership will begin this Fall and is expected to serve hundreds of students in its first year, with the goal of expanding to additional programs across RCC’s course catalog over time.
