PROJECT QUEST, INC.

Project QUEST is focused on transforming lives and strengthening the San Antonio economy by empowering individuals from underserved communities. The organization aims to break the cycle of poverty by equipping participants with the education, skills, and support needed to secure in-demand, living-wage careers.

To achieve this, Project QUEST focuses on several key objectives:

Economic Mobility: Helping participants achieve economic stability and long-term career growth by significantly increasing their incomes and providing ongoing support for continued success.

Education: Improving postsecondary completion rates, particularly for low-income and marginalized groups, by offering equitable access to education and comprehensive support services.

Workforce Development: Training participants for high-demand careers in industries like Healthcare, IT/Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing, and maintaining high job placement rates to meet local job market needs.

Holistic Support: Offering wraparound services, including career coaching and mental health support, to address the diverse needs of participants and help them overcome barriers to success.

Equity: Promoting gender and racial equity by supporting women, especially women of color, and single parents in balancing education and family responsibilities.

Community Impact: Contributing to San Antonio’s economic resilience by preparing a skilled workforce and expanding programs to reach more individuals.

Sustainability: Ensuring long-term success for participants through financial stability, ongoing alumni support, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Accountability: Using data-driven decision-making to refine programs and ensure the organization achieves meaningful outcomes like job placement and wage increases.

In essence, Project QUEST is dedicated to creating lasting change by providing the tools and opportunities needed for individuals to achieve economic stability and contribute to a thriving, inclusive community.

Project QUEST's mission and strategies closely align with several United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), driving progress in San Antonio and beyond.

No Poverty (SDG 1):
Project QUEST addresses poverty by equipping underserved individuals with skills for living-wage careers. By providing pathways to economic stability, the organization helps participants break the cycle of poverty and achieve financial independence.

Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3):
Understanding the link between health and success, Project QUEST offers holistic health support, including social-emotional and trauma-informed care. The organization is pursuing certification as a Trauma-Informed organization to ensure participants receive the mental health support they need. Additionally, by preparing individuals for higher-paying careers that offer essential health benefits, QUEST increases access to healthcare for them and their dependents.

Quality Education (SDG 4):
QUEST ensures equitable access to education for low-income students and students of color. Through targeted support and access to postsecondary education, participants gain the qualifications necessary for career success. High completion rates in degree and certification programs reflect QUEST's commitment to educational attainment and economic mobility.

Gender Equality (SDG 5):
With 68% of participants being women, QUEST empowers women through education and career training. By equipping women with skills for well-paying, high-demand careers, the organization significantly promotes gender equality in education and the workforce.

Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8):
QUEST’s focus on living-wage careers aligns with promoting sustainable economic growth. By preparing participants for high-demand, well-paying jobs, the organization improves individual lives and contributes to the economic health of the San Antonio region.

Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10):
QUEST actively reduces social and economic inequalities through a focus on equity. By targeting underserved populations and offering comprehensive support, QUEST helps participants overcome barriers to education and employment. This tailored approach ensures individuals from diverse backgrounds have equal opportunities to succeed.

Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11):
QUEST addresses San Antonio's economic challenges by fostering partnerships with local governments, businesses, and educational institutions. These collaborations support the development of a more sustainable and inclusive community.

Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17):
Strategic partnerships are central to QUEST’s success. Collaborations with America Forward, United Way, and local educational institutions enhance QUEST's ability to deliver impactful programs. These partnerships allow QUEST to leverage shared resources and expertise, contributing to the broader achievement of the SDGs

Project QUEST effectively supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its comprehensive workforce development model. This includes education, training, career coaching, financial assistance, and job placement, ensuring participants gain necessary skills and support for long-term success.

The organization collaborates with community groups, educational institutions, government agencies, and businesses to align training with local industry needs. Partnerships with entities like United Way and San Antonio’s “Ready to Work” initiative help scale its impact.

QUEST focuses on serving low-income students, students of color, and other underserved groups, ensuring equitable access to education and employment. With 87% of participants from diverse backgrounds, the organization is committed to racial equity and provides necessary support for success.

Mental health is a priority, with social-emotional and trauma-informed care offered. QUEST is working towards certification as a Trauma-Informed organization and provides personalized career and academic advising.

The organization tracks participant progress, graduation rates, job placements, and wage increases to refine programs continuously. A “braided funding” strategy secures financial stability and flexibility, supporting long-term operations.

QUEST aligns training with high-demand industries like Healthcare, IT/Cybersecurity, and Advanced Manufacturing, collaborating with over 200 employers for strong job placement opportunities. Its adaptable model allows it to respond to economic changes and expand programming, including mental health support and enhanced alumni services.

Project QUEST has significantly empowered underserved communities through education, workforce development, and economic uplift. Over the past three years, it achieved high completion rates: 92% for Certificate programs, 91% for Associate’s Degrees, and 92% for Bachelor’s Degrees.
Economically, participants saw their incomes rise from under $15,000 to an average of $44,460 post-training, a 200% increase. Employment success is notable, with 89% of participants placed in high-demand careers, including 37% in Registered Nurse positions.
In San Antonio, QUEST has improved educational and employment outcomes, gaining national recognition from entities like the Aspen Institute and the Ford Foundation.

1. Expansion of Programming:
QUEST plans to deepen its mental health support for participants by leveraging the expertise of its on-staff social worker and working toward certification as a Trauma-Informed organization. Additionally, the organization is enhancing alumni support with a dedicated Alumni Relations and Career Transitions Coordinator, providing ongoing resources and networking opportunities to sustain graduates' long-term success.
2. Broadening Participant Reach:
The organization aims to extend its services to more individuals, particularly those who have been underserved in the past. By expanding wraparound support and utilizing a braided funding strategy, QUEST intends to serve a broader range of participants, with a continued focus on low-income students, students of color, single parents, and other marginalized groups.
3. Strengthening Data-Driven Outcomes:
QUEST is committed to refining its data collection and evaluation processes to better track participant progress, job placement rates, and wage outcomes. This will allow the organization to make informed decisions that enhance program effectiveness and align with its goal of breaking generational poverty.
4. Deepening Community and Industry Partnerships:
The organization will continue to build and strengthen strategic alliances with businesses, educational institutions, and government agencies. QUEST also plans to engage more actively in policy discussions and advocacy efforts to influence broader workforce development strategies that benefit underserved populations.
5. Sustainability and Financial Stability:
To ensure long-term impact, QUEST will diversify its funding sources, maintaining a braided funding strategy that adapts to financial fluctuations. The organization will also focus on long-term planning to secure sustained financial support, enabling it to continue providing comprehensive services even after specific grants conclude.

Project QUEST is set to expand its services, deepen its partnerships, and enhance its data-driven approach, ensuring continued success in alignment with its mission and the Sustainable Development Goals.