November 12, 2015

Accenture Helps Philadelphia Youth Network Identify Areas of Opportunity for Out-of-School Out-of-Work Youth



Recommendations made to increase employment opportunities for young adults in Philadelphia


PHILADELPHIA, Pa.; Nov. 12, 2015 – The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN), on behalf of Project U-Turn, engaged Accenture (NYSE: ACN) to develop recommendations for employment pathway models for out-of-school and out-of-work youth aged 18 to 24 in the Philadelphia region.

The Philadelphia Youth Network is a leader in addressing youth development challenges in Philadelphia, including as managing partner for WorkReady Philadelphia and Project U-Turn, two of the city’s most comprehensive campaigns focused on improving educational and economic outcomes for the city’s youth.

PYN partnered with Accenture Consulting to analyze local and national research regarding the out-of-school out-of-work (OSOW) 18 - 24 population in the City of Philadelphia and provide recommendations for support and potential programming. Currently, nearly 30,000 young people in Philadelphia would be identified as part of the OSOW group. Young adults disconnected from work and school represent a social and economic opportunity cost and left unaddressed can lead to a significant social and financial burden for the region, the state and the country.

Leveraging a variety of sources, Accenture used a data driven methodology to identify the specific workforce challenges and opportunities in Philadelphia and develop a possible strategies that PYN would be able to implement, support, replicate and scale. Accenture identified industrial sectors with strong potential for workforce and wage growth, assessed the existing skills and certification levels of the targeted population, and provided an analysis of skill gaps and training needs. Through partnering with Burning Glass Technologies, Accenture leveraged detailed employment data and applied analytics to develop fact-based recommendations on what programs will provide the most value. The resulting pathway models provide a roadmap for PYN to set target goals, build partnerships and develop programs to address talent supply gaps.

Reflecting on the project, Chekemma Fulmore-Townsend, the President and CEO of PYN, said, “Partnering with Accenture has enabled us to identify opportunities where PYN can make a significant impact locally with our partner organizations. The insights and analysis from this body of work will be used to inform our approach moving forward.”

“We are incredibly excited to have presented PYN with possible strategies that can make a real difference by connecting people with careers in the areas of economic growth in the region. Citizens, employers and the community as a whole stand to benefit when more people are prospering in fulfilling careers.” said Ed Delussey, Accenture Managing Director and project lead.

About PYN
The Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) is an intermediary organization dedicated to connecting systems and leveraging resources. PYN works to equip young people for academic achievement, economic opportunity and personal success. To achieve this mission, it coordinates and supports large-scale, cross-sector initiatives while developing targeted programs to expand access to services for underserved youth. PYN knows that when potential meets opportunity, youth will succeed. PYN believes in the power of partnerships and the need for collaboration. The organization has seen firsthand the scale it can accomplish when groups work together. And PYN is committed to continuing this work until all of Philadelphia’s young people take their rightful places as full and contributing members of a world-class workforce for the region. PYN’s home page is www.pyninc.org.

About Accenture
Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions – underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network – Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 358,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

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Contact:

Joe Dickie
Accenture
+ 1 512 694 6422
joseph.r.dickie@accenture.com