The Robert Kraft and The Kraft Family Foundation has awarded Pathways Inc. of Lynn a $100,000 Challenge Grant. Pathways was chosen as a 2018 recipient of the family’s surprise catalyst gift program, which identifies organizations whose work is aligned with the family’s philanthropic priorities and surprises them with a gift. This two-year grant will support the extension of Pathways’ Career Pathways programs.
Pathways was chosen by the Kraft family as an organization whose work deserves recognition and support for its work in providing high quality academic instruction, job skills training and occupational training to lower-skilled adults, in a Gateway City like Lynn. Pathways’ mission is to help people obtain the skills they need to become economically self-sufficient, goals that align with those of Mr. Kraft and the Kraft Family Foundation.
Each year Pathways serves 400 students from North Shore communities providing: English language instruction; classes in language arts, math and science; job readiness skills training; and opportunities for occupational or vocational training. Pathways works to provide career pathways to a brighter future for their students and their families.
A large percentage of the adult population in the Lynn area (30-40 percent) lack English language proficiency or the skills required to participate in vocational or occupational training.
“Pathways is actively engaged in partnerships to further develop the human capital this population represents,” Pathways CEO Edward Tirrell said. “Turning these statistics around means a stronger, more prosperous and vibrant North Shore community for all of us. Support from generous funders like The Kraft Family Foundation makes this work possible.”