Allentown Works

09/02/2026

We’re Allentown Works, and we’re connecting Allentown residents with the support, training, and job opportunities they need to build stable, long-term careers.

By partnering with local organizations and expanding access to workforce resources, we’re working toward reducing prime age unemployment in Allentown’s priority neighborhoods by more than 60% by 2030.

If you or someone you know lives in Franklin Park, Center City, or the Wards and is ready to start their career journey, don't hesitate to complete our Get Connected form to access career resources, training, personalized support, and more.

We're here with you every step of the way. See below to take the first step toward a stable, rewarding career. 👇

06/09/2026

Allentown Works was proud to take part in the EDA Workforce Convening, where our team shared insights on building and sustaining the partnerships that power our work every day. Our team joined national peers to exchange ideas and learn from one another as part of the Recompete Community of Practice.

A special thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration Jobs for the Future Recompete Community of Practice, and our fellow grantees and partners for creating space for conversation.

A shout out to our amazing Allentown Works team (pictured left to right): Trevor Tormann, Sarah Lutz, Dipal Kapadia, Ed.D., ITIL, Yusuf Dahl, Megan Barnes Briggs, and Lauren Caine. Their leadership and teamwork continually influence and shape this work.

06/05/2026

So proud of this team!

This week, LVCF'S Megan Barnes Briggs had the opportunity to represent the Foundation and Allentown Works at the EDA Workforce Convening, where she joined workforce and economic development leaders from across the country to discuss strategies for building and sustaining impactful partnerships. Thank you to the U.S. Economic Development Administration, Jobs for the Future (JFF), the Recompete Community of Practice, and all of the grantees and partners who came together to share insights, best practices, and opportunities for collaboration.

Megan was proud to connect with fellow Allentown Works partners and colleagues, including Trevor Tormann, Sarah Lutz, Dipal Kapadia, Ed.D., ITIL, and Yusuf Dahl, while highlighting the innovative work happening in the Greater Lehigh Valley region. Events like these strengthen our collective ability to create pathways to quality employment and ensure long-term success for the communities we serve. Allentown Works

05/26/2026

We’re excited to introduce the Resource Navigators powering Allentown Works, dedicated guides helping connect residents to the opportunities, training, and support systems that make long-term success possible. 🌱 As a key part of the program’s mission to remove barriers and strengthen pathways to employment, these individuals will work directly with the community to provide resources, support, and guidance.

Meet the team!

Tharsis:
“With a background in guiding students through postsecondary education and workforce pathways, counseling, and family advocacy, I am especially excited about the Allentown Works program because it offers the opportunity to continue building meaningful community relationships, connect individuals and families to transformative resources, and empower people toward lasting personal and professional success.”

Nelly:
“For more than seven years with PA CareerLink Lehigh Valley, I have been helping turn career dreams into reality. I am excited for the opportunity with Allentown Works to help members of the community achieve success in their career paths and turn their dreams into reality.”

Jeffrey:
“I have a background in community-based work, supporting families and building systems that improve access to resources and long-term stability. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a mission that is focused on strengthening the financial landscape of Allentown.”

Left to Right: Tharsis, Nelly, Jeffrey

05/05/2026

📚This week, Allentown Works is highlighting our partner, Lehigh Carbon Community College
LCCC will host the AW Introduction to Manufacturing Course offered by Lehigh Career & Technical Institute at the Donley Center Campus. This partnership will provide space for equipment and advanced manufacturing training courses, facilitating hands on workforce training opportunities as part of the Allentown Works initiative.

When asked about LCCC’s partnership with Allentown Works, Larissa M. Verta, the Vice President of Academic Services and Student Development, said:

“At LCCC, we believe education is the foundation of economic stability. We are proud to partner with Allentown Works to deliver high impact workforce training and development directly through our Donley Center, empowering Allentown residents to build sustainable careers right in their own backyard. LCCC is proud to partner with Allentown Works to provide transformative training and educational opportunities at our Donley Center. By bringing high quality instruction to the heart of the city, we are ensuring that career pathways are available to Allentown residents to succeed. Start here. Go anywhere."

Follow Lehigh Carbon Community College at: Lehigh Carbon Community College

04/24/2026

This week, Allentown Works is highlighting our partner, St. Luke's University Health Network!

Through collaboration with St. Luke’s Linguistic and Cultural Workforce Development Center (WDC), St. Luke’s will offer job fairs, bilingual case management, employability skills training, skill-based trainings, and more. These efforts will promote linguistic development, cultural competency, education and training, and employment opportunities.

When asked about St. Luke’s partnership with Allentown Works, Rajika E. Reed, the Vice President of Community Health said, “St. Luke’s Department of Community Health is partnering with the City of Allentown on the Allentown Works initiative to strengthen access to workforce development resources and sustainable, good paying jobs. This partnership helps break the cycle of poverty and puts families on a path to long term success."

Follow St. Luke’s University Health Network at: St. Luke's University Health Network

04/16/2026

Allentown Works is unlocking the power of our community by removing barriers and building bridges to economic opportunity, education and training, and job stability that will help individuals and families thrive. We are partnering with local organizations who are at the forefront of the community.

Today we are highlighting our partner, LANTA Lehigh Valley!

LANTA will host a Resource Navigator in the Allentown Transportation Center, implement the Commuter Advocacy Program (CAP), assess resident demand for alternative modes of transportation, and more.

When asked about their partnership with Allentown Works, LANTA said “We’re honored to partner with Allentown Works, empowering our community with the access and knowledge to succeed. Together, we’re making connections that support opportunity for all.”

Follow LANTA at LANTA Lehigh Valley

03/26/2026

Did you know?

About 54% of households with children in Allentown’s priority and surrounding neighborhoods are single female-headed households.

That’s why Allentown Works is focused on breaking down barriers to employment.

One of our initiatives, Expand Access to Childcare, tackles one of the biggest challenges families face: finding affordable and reliable care.

Through expanded subsidies and support for local childcare providers, we’re working to make care more accessible so parents can pursue stable, long-term employment.

03/19/2026

In early fall, our 2025 Power Cohort team participated in Franklin Park’s Backpack Giveaway to engage with neighbors, families, and students while sharing Allentown Works.

This initiative focuses on removing employment barriers and opening access to education, affordable childcare, improved transportation, workforce development, and careers in high-opportunity industries.

We’re so grateful for everyone who joined us in these conversations! Your voice matters, and we invite you to keep shaping this work with us at upcoming events. Together, we can make Allentown work for all!

12/12/2025

💡𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰?
Allentown Works aims to reduce the Prime Age Employment Gap (PAEG), which measures the number of adults aged 25 to 54 who are not employed compared to the national average. This group includes individuals who are unemployed or who have given up searching for work.
Our team has four core strategies to help overcome these barriers and create pathways to steady, full-time jobs.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 #1: 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭
Through a trained network of Resource Navigators, we will connect residents in three priority neighborhoods (Center City, Franklin Park, and the 1st and 6th Wards) to job search support, training, apprenticeships, and career pathways programs. We will also provide resources for individuals returning from prison to help them re-enter the workforce successfully.