Initiative will increase access to education and training, health-related social needs support and workforce development opportunities

UnitedHealth Group and Goodwill Industries International today announced a three-year, $4.5 million strategic partnership to increase access to education and training, health-related social needs support and workforce development opportunities in 25 states through 38 Goodwill® organizations. The partnership aims to help people overcome barriers keeping them from obtaining long-term, higher-paying employment.

Research shows up to 80% of a person’s health is determined by what happens outside of a doctor’s office. For example, employment status influences many aspects of life that affect one’s health, including income, exposure to workplace hazards and ability to access essential resources such as health care, housing, food and more. Employment and income status are inextricably linked to health. People who are unemployed or working in insecure, part-time or low-wage jobs are more likely to report poor or fair health and face more barriers to accessing health care and basic living essentials.

This partnership will help expand Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator®, a workforce development framework that equips job seekers with the resources needed to pursue and advance their careers. The initiative will connect individuals to career pathways, job training, certifications, apprenticeships and mentorships for continued career growth. Both organizations will collaborate with the public and private sectors to develop skilled talent for specific career paths matching current local hiring needs. Workforce training opportunities in career pathways have been shown to significantly increase educational attainment by 155% and industry-specific employment by 72%. Three of the industries this partnership will prioritize are health care, technology, and clean technology, to meet growing workforce demands in those sectors.

Participating local Goodwill organizations will also provide comprehensive support to help job seekers move successfully into promising careers, including via financial literacy tools, life skills resources to encourage individuals to better engage in their health and social drivers of health (SDOH) support to identify barriers individuals may face to accessing employment, including transportation and childcare.

Participation in Goodwill Opportunity Accelerator® is available to all individuals who reside in the service territories of the 38 participating Goodwill organizations.

“This strategic partnership is another example of expanding the important work of health equity,” said Catherine Anderson, senior vice president, health equity strategy, UnitedHealth Group. “The data consistently show an association between employment and better physical and mental health outcomes. As a health care provider, employer and cross-sector convener that cares deeply about the communities and people we serve, we are excited for the future of our partnership with Goodwill to ready the next generation of workforce talent.”

“The value of gainful employment is profound, affecting an individual’s self-esteem, sense of purpose and ability to care for their family,” said Steve Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. “Goodwill and UnitedHealth Group are committed to creating opportunities for job seekers and helping employers find the skilled talent they need.”

About Goodwill Industries International:

Goodwill® is the largest nonprofit workforce development network in the country. It works to enhance the quality of life of individuals and families by strengthening communities, building bridges to opportunity and helping people in need reach their potential through learning and the Power of Work®. For more than 120 years, Goodwill organizations across North America have helped people find jobs, support their families and feel the satisfaction that comes from working. There are 154 local Goodwill organizations that assist people through a variety of employment placement services, job training programs and other community-based services. Thousands of people receive employment and other human services through Goodwill, and, in 2023, local Goodwill organizations helped more than 1.7 million people build skills, access resources and advance their careers. Goodwill sells donated items in more than 3,300 outlet and retail stores in the U.S. and Canada, as well as through online marketplaces. The revenue creates job placement and training programs to help people earn paychecks and build their careers. For more information or to find a Goodwill location near you, visit goodwill.org. Follow us on Twitter/X: @GoodwillIntl and @GoodwillCapHill, and find us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: GoodwillIntl.

About UnitedHealth Group:

UnitedHealth Group is a health care and well-being company with a mission to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone through two distinct and complementary businesses. Optum delivers care aided by technology and data, empowering people, partners and providers with the guidance and tools they need to achieve better health. UnitedHealthcare offers a full range of health benefits, enabling affordable coverage, simplifying the health care experience and delivering access to high-quality care. Visit UnitedHealth Group at www.unitedhealthgroup.com and follow UnitedHealth Group on LinkedIn.

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