Dress for Success Phoenix has been selected by Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) as the nonprofit partner to launch the “Pathways Program for Single Moms” in the state’s central region.
This new program is designed to eliminate the barriers to higher education for single moms by giving them the necessary resources to secure livable wages and forge a career path. Taking a holistic approach, the program helps women navigate life’s challenges by supporting the successful completion of a one-year certificate program in STEM fields. The tuition-free certificate prepares these women for careers in growing industries that pay a thriving wage, thus confronting the cycle of poverty in their families.
Pathways Program for Single Moms was launched in 2020 in southern Arizona, and, due to its success, has expanded to cover the entire state. Dress for Success Phoenix is focusing on central Arizona outreach, with an initial goal of helping 70 women during the first 18 months of the program. The organization will be working with Maricopa County Community Colleges (MCC), which has 10 campuses throughout the Valley.
“This is an honor we do not take lightly, and we are ready to implement Pathways Program for Single Moms in the Valley. Assisting single moms in providing financial stability for their families sets the stage for future generations to flourish,” said Tamala McBath, CEO of Dress for Success Phoenix.
Dress for Success Phoenix is a nonprofit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools needed to help them thrive in work and in life. Through strategic partnerships, Dress for Success Phoenix offers outcome-driven programs to ensure women are getting hired, being promoted, receiving well-earned raises, networking with other professionals , and gaining control of their finances. Nearly 50% of the women Dress for Success Phoenix serves are single mothers, and 25% of those served live below the poverty level.
Pathways Program for Single Moms provides wraparound support in a variety of areas that are common roadblocks prohibiting single moms from going to school, including tuition cost, equipment expenses, childcare, and transportation. Dress for Success Phoenix will assist program recipients navigate the enrollment process. Those accepted into the Pathways program will be awarded 100% paid tuition for a one-year certificate in technical education, as well as Quality-First/Kindergarten-ready childcare. They will also receive a stipend to use towards living expenses, computer equipment, transportation, and more, as well as emergency funds. Recipients will also receive ongoing coaching, planning and career services.
“At its core, Dress for Success Phoenix is a workforce development organization. The Pathways Program for Single Moms program is another tool that allows us to help more women prepare for growth and self-sufficiency,” McBath said.
Dress for Success Phoenix has proven programs in place to help these women achieve beyond graduation. Upon completion of the certificate program, Dress for Success Phoenix will provide additional resources to ensure women are ready for career advancement, such as application, and resume building, interview and work attire, connections to top-notch hiring employers, as well as financial coaching.
Dress for Success Phoenix is currently accepting applications for the Pathways Program for Single Moms. For more information or to apply, visit www.pathwaysphoenix.org.
