About
SkillUp Coalition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that helps job seekers break into better careers regardless of whether they hold a college degree. Launched in 2020, SkillUp reviews and curates career paths that pay a living wage, do not require a four-year degree, and can be trained for in less than 12 months for free or at an affordable cost. Its free platform guides workers from career exploration through training and job applications, backed by a nationwide coalition of more than 150 partner organizations.
Mission
SkillUp's mission is to provide a guided and supported path to ensure every worker has high-opportunity employment. Its vision is that every worker gains equity and dignity in the workforce through access to high-opportunity, quality employment. The organization focuses on STARs — workers who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes rather than a traditional four-year degree.
What they do
- Career exploration: free tools and step-by-step guidance to research non-degree career paths in fields such as skilled trades, business, healthcare, technology, transportation and logistics, and the public sector.
- Training navigation: a free platform to browse hundreds of vetted, affordable training programs that can be completed in under 12 months.
- Job matching: connections to quality jobs that do not require degrees, with the ability to create a profile and apply to jobs and training programs.
- Free career coaching: one-on-one support for job seekers, plus earn-and-learn pathways.
- Coalition building: partnering with training providers, employers, and funders; SkillUp is nationwide with no physical offices and more than 30 location-specific sites plus fully remote options.
Scale and impact
SkillUp reports the following cumulative impact from its launch in July 2020 through December 2025:
- 4.3 million+ workers supported
- 384,000+ profile creators on its platform
- 210,880+ users who attained jobs
- 97,520+ users referred to training providers
- $14.3 billion in additional wages earned by SkillUp job attainers
- 17,099+ career coaching participants
- A reported 380:1 return on investment, with 170+ coalition partners across the country
The organization aims to create opportunities for 10 million STARs and help secure 1 million jobs by 2030.
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, for fiscal year 2024 Skillup Coalition reported total revenue of $9,289,340, total expenses of $7,146,377, and net assets of $8,939,144. About 97% of revenue came from contributions. The organization has been tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) since May 2019.
Governance
Steve Lee serves as Chief Executive Officer. Senior leadership listed in the organization's most recent filing includes Elissa Salas (SVP, Partnership and Operations), Desiree Jewell (SVP, Marketing and Communication), and Jason Cheng (SVP, Product Development).