JFF and University of Phoenix Career Institute™ Work Together to Drive Equitable Economic Advancement for Black Learners and Workers

BOSTON & PHOENIX—JFF, a national nonprofit driving transformation in the American workforce and education systems, today announced a partnership with University of Phoenix Career Institute™ to support Black learners and workers in bridging professional social capital gaps to advance their careers. With funding from University of Phoenix, JFF will conduct in-depth research, analyzing existing strategies for the development of social capital that are being implemented by higher education institutions and employers. This work will inform the creation of an evidence-based, actionable framework and raise awareness about the role of professional social capital in economic advancement.

Professional social capital, which refers to the resources that arise from a person’s network of relationships that can help mobilize and advance education and career goals, is a crucial element in establishing racial equity in the workforce and career pathways. Today, some estimates suggest that up to 70% of all jobs are not published on publicly available job search sites, and research has long shown that anywhere from half to upwards of 80% of jobs are filled through networking. In addition to raising awareness, the framework developed by JFF and University of Phoenix will shape more expansive strategies to support Black learners and workers in forming strong professional networks that increase access to career navigation tools and quality information, cultivate meaningful relationships with champions and sponsors in the workplace and result in lifelong networks that lead to equitable employment and career advancement. JFF will also establish an advisory council of leaders focused on professional social capital who will lend their perspective to the framework and provide crucial insights on the best practices for sharing the organizations’ research findings with the broader field.

This collaboration marks the first major partnership for University of Phoenix Career Institute™, which was founded in 2021 to address broad, persistent and systemic barriers to career advancement through research-based solutions and impactful partnerships that break down barriers Americans face in their careers. In 2021, the Institute launched its first annual Career Optimism Index, a comprehensive study of American workers’ career perceptions, sentiments and optimism, identifying what barriers stand between Americans and their careers and the tools and resources needed to overcome them.

For more information, visit www.jff.org and phoenix.edu.

About JFF
JFF is a national nonprofit that drives transformation in the American workforce and education systems. For nearly 40 years, JFF has led the way in designing innovative and scalable solutions that create access to economic advancement for all. http://www.jff.org

About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life® help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

About University of Phoenix Career Institute™
University of Phoenix Career Institute™ was created to address broad, persistent and systemic barriers to career advancement through research-based solutions and impactful partnerships that break down barriers Americans face in their careers.

Contact
Sharla Hooper
University of Phoenix
sharla.hooper@phoenix.edu