Each the year, the National Fund recognizes businesses that are making exemplary investments in the skills and careers of their youngest employees. The following profiles of OKAY Industries and ACMT in Hartford, CT and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Giant Eagle in Pittsburgh, PA illustrate how companies can build a high-performing workforce by investing in young adults.

“The National Fund’s approach to promoting regional prosperity centers on meeting the needs of employers, while at the same time preparing unemployed and underemployed workers for careers with living wages,” said President and CEO Fred Dedrick. “Young adults are essential components of that strategy, and the National Fund is proud to celebrate employer leaders who have the vision to recognize young adults’ potential, and the commitment to help prepare and hire them in good jobs.”