THE SIERRA GROUP FOUNDATION
The Sierra Group Academy is the flagship a program of Workplace Technology Foundation, d/b/a The Sierra Group Foundation
In response to the ever-changing needs of people with disabilities to gain competitive skills and accommodations to compete in the world of work, Sierra Group CEO, Janet Fiore and board formed Workplace Technology Foundation as a Pennsylvania non-profit organization.
In 1990, The Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into Law, thus driving the formation of The Foundation
The Sierra Group Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to driving up employment for People with Disabilities in America.
In 2007 the Foundation’s purpose of education, research and microgrants was envisioned to help individuals where no other funding was available by bridging gaps in funds from governmental agencies to job seekers with disabilities via microgrants, as well as hosting and participating in relevant research and advocacy projects, and outreach to the community at large to draw connections between those with disabilities, those serving needs, and businesses seeking information and referrals of job applicants with disabilities.
In 2011, we were asked to take over operation, from another non-profit organization, the training program now known as The Sierra Group Academy. The Academy quickly became the flagship program of our Foundation.
As a private operating Foundation, we can continue to provide microgrants, via application process, for things such as first month’s transportation to work, workplace uniforms or safety equipment purchase, or other non-reimbursable expenses that sometimes stand between a job seeker and a career. Our microgrant process is by availability and application process. Send us an email to request a form to apply for our limited microgrant award process.
Recently, thanks to a seed funding, anonymous donation, Sierra Group Foundation has started a Peer Led Transition to Career Group which serves to raise self-confidence and motivate activity towards job finding. From its inception, this pilot project has increased job placement success for graduates of Sierra Group Academy who choose to participate with their peers.
This project has yielded community volunteers who serve graduates via:
Mock Interview Tips, Guest Lectures, and mentoring/job lead refinement discussions. To volunteer to help us help people with disabilities find work, email us.
Additionally, Sierra Group Foundation continues to host complimentary events to educate the community about the value of promoting and celebrating disability employment in all types of careers.
For more information email email us.
Together with others in our field, we strive to be one more way to help to include the 61 million Americans living and working with disabilities as they strive to reach their career goals.