This unique talent pipeline and municipal workforce development initiative will be led by new Executive Director, Carol de Fries
PHILADELPHIA – Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, along with the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works and program participants celebrated the launch of the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME). The official launch event featured remarks from City officials and partners, as well as CCME students from the first of its kind municipal employment training opportunity.
“Philadelphia, like many big cities, faces the challenges of recruitment, but we know we have the talent we need right here in our great city,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We now have this great opportunity to cultivate and train Philadelphians for great, family-sustaining careers through CCME. By creating this innovative program we have removed the barriers to access career training and education and streamlined the processes into a well-paying and rewarding career.”
CCME is opening doors for Philadelphians interested in serving in priority areas of City government with good paying jobs, healthcare, retirement and other benefits. Program partners include the Community College of Philadelphia (CCP), the School District of Philadelphia, Philadelphia Works and others. The City College for Municipal Employment will serve as a National Model.
CCME is made possible through a $10 million investment of City funds and part of the City’s commitment to making public service careers accessible to all residents. The City has received over 1,000 inquiries from potential students and plans to increase program capacity and attendance over time.
The program currently features five career pathway training areas and will support over 75 participants this Fall. Currently 40 students are enrolled in the Computer Support and Administrative Professional program. An additional 37 students are enrolled in Career Readiness training and anticipate entering CCME programs in Spring 2025. CCME has also initiated three cohorts of Upskilling for 25 current City employees, with an additional 15 anticipated to join later this month.
Together, CCME is building workforce training in key City career pathways that include:
- Skilled Trades
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Business & Administration
- Public Safety
- and STEM
Individuals enrolled in CCME will receive wrap around services and supports to ensure their success in their program and in the opportunity to be hired by the City or other employers partnered with the City of Philadelphia’s workforce programming. CCME eliminates the financial barriers by providing courses at no cost—and participants are eligible to earn financial achievement incentives throughout the career training pathway.
“Preparing citizens for positions with the City of Philadelphia through the City College for Municipal Employment speaks to our mission of helping residents advance their lives and enrich our communities,” said Dr. Guy Generals, President of Community College of Philadelphia.
This opportunity is another way Community College of Philadelphia is working with the City to strengthen our workforce and offer in-demand, skilled training to our citizens. Participants have expressed appreciation for the ability to advance their education affordably and with the supports and flexibility CCME is offering.
During the event, Mayor Parker made an official announcement regarding the oversight of the initiative, which will be led by Carol de Fries, an expert in building successful strategic partnerships for economic and civic growth, with more than 15 years of experience in business development, finance, government relations, philanthropy, higher education and economic and workforce development.
Carol J. de Fries will serve as the Executive Director of the Municipal College and Workforce Programming, overseeing strategic direction, program growth and development, and analysis. De Fries has held senior leadership roles with the University of Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia and PIDC, the Community College of Philadelphia, and JEVS Human Services dedicating her professional career to supporting Philadelphia’s efforts to grow and expand its economy.
“This is a full circle moment for me, having started my career in Philadelphia at the Commerce Department, later launching the Power Up You Business Program at the Community College of Philadelphia,” said Carol de Fries, Executive Director, Municipal College & Workforce Programming. “I am eager and excited to continue my work connecting Philadelphians to stable and meaningful careers within City government.”
This initiative includes a valuable partnership with the School District of Philadelphia which equips the City’s youth with support, training and education to serve as the next generation of the City’s workforce. Superintendent Dr. Watlington and the District prepare students for post-secondary opportunities, which now includes CCME, another avenue to connect graduating seniors with real work opportunities, both through direct employment upon graduation, post-secondary skills training programs, and innovative educational structures.
“The School District of Philadelphia is excited about collaborating with the Community College of Philadelphia and Mayor Parker in welcoming the first class to the City College for Municipal Employment, which will create an opportunity for our students to acquire quality city jobs through career exposure and training,” said Superintendent Tony B. Watlington,Sr. Ed.D. “We look forward to increasing awareness at the high school level of how the City College for Municipal Employment can expand career pathways for students across the District.”
“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Mayor Parker for her visionary leadership in launching the City College for Municipal Employment,” said Reginald L. Streater, Esq., President, Board of Education. This exciting new initiative aligns with the Board’s vision to increase academic achievement through its Goals and Guardrails, ensuring that every student graduates prepared for college or a career. By creating pathways like these, we empower our young people to achieve not only for themselves, but also for the strength and vitality of our communities.”
Philadelphia is robust with talent and the City is proud to create opportunities for hardworking and driven Philadelphians through this innovative new initiative. For more information about CCME, visit the City College for Municipal Employment’s website and learn about the courses offered in the CCME Catalog.