Project QUEST, an innovative job training program in San Antonio, is winning statewide and national attention as a model for local workforce development efforts. Since 1993, Project QUEST has met the needs of San Antonio area businesses by training local residents who would otherwise be out of work and/or on public assistance. QUEST was honored as a 2003 winner of The Enterprise Foundation and The J.P. Morgan Chase Foundation Award for Excellence in Workforce Development. This award recognizes nonprofit job training and placement organizations across the country that are using best practices to effectively help individuals find and retain quality jobs. Full Press Release As a winner of a 1995 Innovations Award from the Ford Foundation and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, Project QUEST stands out among job training programs because of its ties to businesses and community-based organizations. The following information is provided to help you replicate this program in your community. Mission | Goals | QUEST Services Job Training Opportunities | Staff | Background Important Links | Sister Organizations | Mailing Address & Phone Numbers

MISSION The mission of Project QUEST is to demonstrate the social and economic benefits that can be achieved through investments in long-term training for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Specifically, Project QUEST, Inc. defines the skills required to succeed in targeted, hard-to-fill occupations and then recruits, trains and develops adults so that they are qualified and ready to fill employers' needs for skilled workers. GOALS To demonstrate that an employer-driven system increases the number of quality job opportunities for program participants. To demonstrate that a truly excellent job training program will provide workers with the skills they need for long-term employment and higher incomes. To demonstrate that an individual approach can be more cost-effective than traditional, institution-based approaches to service delivery. To demonstrate that a better skilled and more productive workforce will enhance the economic growth and vitality of the San Antonio area. QUEST SERVICES For employers, we: Assist in analyzing the skills required to succeed in specific occupations. Customize training programs to meet industry / business needs. Provide qualified, motivated employees who possess the skills required to succeed in today's jobs. For participants, we: Evaluate aptitudes and interests, using state-of-the-art assessment tools, then help match candidates with jobs for which they are best qualified. Provide employer-driven, certified training to teach the technical skills required for success and advancement. Offer support services and comprehensive counseling to develop life skills and job readiness, and promote personal growth. For the community, we: Assist businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations as they work toward the common goal of workforce development. Help to attract new industrial and business enterprises by providing a strong, effective mechanism for training a skilled workforce. Help our citizens achieve a better quality of life. JOB TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Project QUEST continuously works with San Antonio employers to identify opportunities for skilled workers. The following are occupations for which we are, or have been, entering people into training. This list changes as training programs become filled and new occupational areas are confirmed and does not guarantee program availability. Healthcare/Medical Information Technology/Business Services Installation, Maintenance & Repair MANAGEMENT STAFF Mary Peña, Executive Director Arthur Mazuca, Director of Operations Clay Howell, Director of Occupational Development

BACKGROUND Project QUEST is a workforce development program designed to respond to the needs of the San Antonio community. Two of San Antonio's leading community organizations, Communities Organized for Public Service (COPS) and the Metro Alliance, provided the impetus and helped to develop a broad base of support for the program. Project QUEST has been endorsed by the following: Department of Labor, Washington, DC San Antonio City Council State Job Training Coordinating Council Texas Department of Human Services The Alamo Community College District The San Antonio Literacy Council San Antonio Employers Alamo Workforce Development, Inc. The Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce The Ford Foundation - 1995 Innovations in American Government Award Winner Texas Department of Economic Development IMPORTANT LINKS Enterprise & J.P. Morgan Chase Foundations Award for Excellence in Workforce Development The Workforce Alliance Releases New Report: "Skills Training Works: Examining the Evidence" Project QUEST Case Study - The Aspen Institute Charles Stewart Mott Foundation Special Report Osterman / Lautsch Report To The Ford Foundation "Investing In People: The Story of Project QUEST" by Brett Campbell "May '96 Fiscal Notes" by John Sharp, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Job Express - Texas Workforce Commission Governor's Job Bank - Texas Workforce Commission America's Job Bank Employment & Training Administration - U.S. Dept. of Labor SISTER ORGANIZATIONS VIDA - Weslaco, TX Capital IDEA - Austin, TX Job Path - Tucson, AZ Project ARRIBA - El Paso, TX For more information call, or write to: Applicant/Participant Services Assistant Project QUEST, Inc. 301 S. Frio, Suite 400 San Antonio, TX 78207-4446 Voice: 210-270-4690 Fax: 210-270-4691 Return to Top. An Equal Opportunity Program / Employer Copyright © 1997-2006 Project QUEST, Inc. All rights reserved.