Our Investment in the Future
The Eckerd Connects Board of Directors has approved investments totaling $12.6 million over the next five years to support our FY 25-29 Strategic Plan. The National Foundation of Youth (NFY) has committed $2.0 million annually for the next three years, representing a total investment of $6.0 million.
As we work to make this vision a reality, we recognize that Eckerd Connects cannot achieve these goals alone. We invite partners—employers, educational institutions, and workforce organizations—to join us in this mission, helping create a future where each person is equipped to achieve their full potential.
Call to Action for Potential Funders
This is a pivotal moment to partner with Eckerd Connects. Together, we can:
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- Strengthen transformational programs that empower individuals to achieve their goals.
- Expand innovative solutions that address critical societal challenges.
- Build sustainable infrastructure that supports long-term growth and success.
Below you will find a summary of Eckerd Connects’ strategic investment areas:
Improving Outcomes
Eckerd Connects is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of our programs to create measurable impact.
We are:
- Developing a unified program model across our service lines (Workforce Development, Job Corps, Child & Family Services) that ensures consistency and quality across our programs.
- Refining our data-driven approach to track client success and program outcomes.
- Expanding our Success Awards Program to remove financial barriers for students.
- Providing advanced training for staff to strengthen program delivery.
- Hosting an annual staff and client leadership retreat to align on best practices.
- Establishing accreditation to launch the Eckerd Connects | Academy—a hybrid high school diploma learning model that includes online instruction, in-class teacher support, and self-paced coursework.
Expanding Reach
We are strategically expanding our footprint to serve more young people and adults nationwide by:
- Conducting workforce market research to identify growth opportunities in high-demand sectors.
- Enhancing business development strategies to secure new funding and partnerships.
- Growing Job Corps and WIOA-funded programs to reach more individuals in need of career training.
- Strengthening outreach and engagement through national brand awareness efforts.
- Collaborating with government agencies and national partners to increase our impact.
Solver Work
By Fiscal Year 2027, Eckerd Connects aspires to be an integral part of the solver community in workforce development, career training and education—leveraging data-driven insights, strategic partnerships, and innovative solutions to drive meaningful change. While we are in the early stages of this work, we are laying the foundation by engaging with thought leaders, exploring innovative models, and aligning our strategies with national workforce priorities.
Our approach includes:
- Partnering with leading organizations like National Association of Workforce Development Professionals, National Association of Workforce Boards, National Job Corps Association, Aspen Institute, Jobs for the Future (JFF), and the U.S. Department of Labor to shape workforce policies.
- Enhancing AI and digital tools to create more accessible career pathways for job seekers.
- Developing innovative training models to address industry-specific workforce shortages.
- Leveraging employer partnerships with Amazon, CVS Health, and other industry leaders to provide direct hiring pathways.
Organizational Infrastructure
At Eckerd Connects, we are in the people business with staff who give it their all, working across the U.S. to build better futures for the individuals we serve.
Whether this is through our Job Corps, Workforce Development, or Child & Family Services programs—our mission is powered by talented and dedicated people who actively engage in transforming lives. Therefore, Eckerd Connects is investing in our people, technology, and systems to ensure long-term sustainability.
Key initiatives include:
- Implementing AI-driven decision-making tools to assist staff and streamline training.
- Expanding IT infrastructure and systems to improve organizational efficiency.
- Launching a new leadership development program to cultivate future leaders within Eckerd Connects.
- Strengthening employee recognition programs like the Heart of the Wheel Award – inspired by Eckerd Connects’ Person Side of the Wheel, our approach to service that prioritizes the individual at the very core of everything we do. The wheel represents the interconnected support system we provide to those we serve, ensuring they have the tools, resources, and guidance they need to thrive.
- Developing a long-term succession plan to build leadership capacity across the organization.