A New Way to Solve an Old Problem

With pockets of unemployment still at historic levels in some Silicon Valley neighborhoods, Josh Amrani, Vice President of Business Development at BluBridge Solutions in Menlo Park, had an idea. His company wanted to partner with JobTrain in a unique way: providing a percentage of their sales to support student success in JobTrain’s Project Build construction training program. This partnership signaled the beginning of the 20 Scholarship Fund initiative.

BluBridge started in France more than fifteen years ago, developing software for construction and public works companies of all sizes. Since then, it has helped more than 30,000 users worldwide by simplifying operating procedures through a fully integrated estimating, project management and scheduling software to ensure business costs are controlled and profits are maximized. In July, the company established its first division in North and South America. Amrani says BluBridge is excited that the company has already sponsored one student in Project Build and is looking forward to many more. When asked why BluBridge wanted to help launch this new initiative, Josh had this to say:

“That’s easy to answer, as construction picks up in the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area, general contractors say they have a hard time finding well-trained, reliable workers to hire. JobTrain is known for its high caliber training of folks, many of whom had found themselves unemployable. We are proud to help fund the opportunity for people to turn their lives around.”

The 20 Scholarship Fund was born to allow corporations and individuals to invest directly in the success of our students at JobTrain. Each $10,000 scholarship will allow one student to receive comprehensive training and supportive services in a JobTrain program, which includes one-on-one counseling, school supplies, work uniforms and job placement services. In its foundational year, we are aiming to find investment for twenty scholarships and will build the program in the future. We have already received pledges for the 20 Scholarship Fund and the program continues to grow. Donors may choose a particular vocational training area for their investment. Included among the benefits to be received by the scholarship fund’s sponsors are:

• A special video thank you from a student graduate which can be used on your website and in promotional materials.

• A virtual plaque commemorating your scholarship gift, to be displayed on our website with a link to your website if you so choose.

• A Corporate banner or logo to be displayed in your student’s classroom.

Nora Sobolov, Executive Director of JobTrain, says, “We are thrilled by the support and enthusiasm of BluBridge. As a neighbor of ours in Menlo Park, Josh Amrani and BluBridge Professional Services Manager Izzy Huskic have spent many hours working with our students and learning about our programs. Their sponsorship and their initial contribution to kick off our 20 Scholarship Fund will enable us to help even more people hurt by the economy and life events. BluBridge has also donated thirty software licenses for students to use in Project Build.”

JobTrain is also proud to announce that the Chamberlain Family, Patrick Pichette and TE Connectivity have also joined the 20 Scholarship Fund initiative in order to support the individual efforts of students to improve their lives and the lives of their families. For more information on the 20 Scholarship Fund, please contact Susan Boiko, Director of Development & Marketing at (650) 330-6521 or sboiko@jobtrainworks.org.