Brighton Center Inc. has been awarded a grant from Truist Foundation to support Pathways to Prosperity: Transforming Lives Through Job Training, supporting its mission to create career pathways and economic mobility for individuals in the community.
The $50,000 grant funding will directly support Brighton Center’s Center for Employment Training (CET), an accredited, short-term, post-secondary program that prepares individuals for careers in high-demand fields such as Medical Assisting and Health Technology Administration. CET provides hands-on, workplace-simulated instruction that enables individuals to earn industry-recognized credentials and build both technical and essential soft skills.
“This investment from Truist Foundation, allows us to remove financial barriers and ensure that more individuals can access life-changing training,” said Lauren Allhands, workforce development director. “By providing comprehensive support and career preparation, we are helping individuals achieve long-term stability and success.”
“This investment reflects Truist’s purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities,” said Billy Santos, Truist’s Cincinnati/NKY Market President. “By expanding access to debt-free job training, Brighton Center is helping more individuals gain the skills and confidence they need to achieve long-term success — while strengthening the workforce across Kentucky.”
The grant will be used to help create debt-free tuition packages for trainees by leveraging federal and state funding sources, including Pell Grants and assistance connected to TANF and SNAP services. While these resources partially cover tuition, additional private funding is required to eliminate any costs for trainees. This grant fills that critical gap, ensuring that participants can complete training without student loan debt.
Beyond technical instruction, CET offers a holistic approach to workforce development by connecting individuals to critical support services—including access to food, child care, and housing—as well as on-site financial wellness and career coaching. This comprehensive model prepares individuals not only to secure employment but to sustain it.
The program’s impact is significant and measurable; with an average wage gain of $26,621 after completing the program and an 87% job placement rate after program completion.
Through this funding, Brighton Center will expand access to its training programs, particularly for individuals who may not qualify for traditional funding streams, further strengthening the workforce and supporting local economic growth.
Brighton Center