What Seattle Jobs Initiative does

Seattle Jobs Initiative (SJI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development intermediary founded in 1997 through a partnership between Mayor Norm Rice, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and Seattle's Office of Economic Development. The organization operates as a hybrid program operator and policy consultancy, connecting low-income individuals, under-invested communities, and BIPOC populations in King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties with living-wage careers in healthcare, green infrastructure, maritime, and digital-enabled occupations. Its core products are direct training programs — the six-week Digital Bridge digital literacy course (with laptops, tablets, and hotspots distributed to participants), the IHAP healthcare pre-apprenticeship, the six-month Seattle Opportunity Work Corps green stormwater infrastructure program, and SnoCo Connect youth employment — supplemented by fee-for-service People-Centered Design consulting and a Policy Research and Evaluation practice that publishes labor-market studies for Washington State agencies. Technology surface is modest: program delivery uses Microsoft 365 training modules, Zoom-based virtual/hybrid instruction, LinkedIn Learning, and basic AI productivity tools taught as curriculum, rather than any proprietary platform.

Revenue mechanics reflect a traditional nonprofit structure with three streams: philanthropic contributions from foundations (notably a 20-plus-year Annie E. Casey Foundation relationship) and individuals; government grants and contracts from the City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, Washington State Department of Commerce, WSDOT ($1.19M maritime contract), SBCTC, and federal programs funneled through the state; and a smaller fee-for-service line from technical assistance to state agencies on SNAP E&T and workforce system design. All participant-facing programs are free to eligible job seekers and include stipends, transportation, work gear, and rental assistance — meaning the "customer" paying for services is functionally the funder (government or foundation) rather than the trainee. In January 2003, SJI spun off from the City of Seattle OED to become an independent 501(c)(3).

Name

Seattle Jobs Initiative

Legal name

Seattle Jobs Initiative

Website

https://seattlejobsinitiative.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1997

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Seattle Jobs Initiative is a Seattle-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development intermediary founded in 1997 that provides free training programs in healthcare, green infrastructure, digital literacy, and maritime careers to low-income job seekers across King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties, supplemented by paid consulting and policy research for Washington State agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Employment Placement Agencies (561311)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB)

Keywords

• Workforce development training
• Digital literacy programs
• Pre-apprenticeship programs
• Career navigation services
• Workforce consulting research

Headquarters

HQ city

Seattle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Private Contributions: SJI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that relies on private contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations in addition to public funds to continue serving its clients.
2. Government Funding: Public funds from government agencies including City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, Washington State Department of Commerce, and other federal/state programs.
3. Technical Assistance Services: Fee-for-service technical assistance and consulting provided to state agencies and organizations on building and operating workforce development programs such as SNAP E&T.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Seattle Jobs Initiative is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development intermediary that delivers free pre-apprenticeship and skills training programs (Digital Bridge digital literacy, IHAP healthcare, Green Stormwater Infrastructure Careers / Seattle Opportunity Work Corps, SnoCo Connect youth employment) and provides consulting, policy research, and people-centered design services to state agencies and organizations. Programs are free to participants and combine job-skills training with wraparound supports (stipends, transportation, rental assistance, work gear, devices).

Product overview

Seattle Jobs Initiative is a workforce development nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of training programs, consulting services, and research publications. The core programs include Digital Bridge (6-week digital skills training with device distribution), Green Stormwater Infrastructure Careers (6-month hands-on green infrastructure training), IHAP (healthcare pre-apprenticeship), and SnoCo Connect (youth employment). The organization also provides SNAP E&T consulting, policy research and evaluation, and people-centered design services. Research publications cover construction, maritime, healthcare workforce, cybersecurity education coding, manufacturing equity, law enforcement workforce, and basic needs in higher education. The organization was founded in 1997 and operates as an intermediary creating equitable workforce systems in partnership with government agencies, educational institutions, and community organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Digital Bridge: Digital literacy training program providing technology skills, computer basics, Microsoft 365, AI productivity tools, and digital device distribution launched in July 2020
• Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeships Program (IHAP)
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure Careers
• SnoCo Connect
• SNAP E&T
• Policy Research and Evaluation
• People-Centered Design

Products and services

• Digital Bridge A 6-week comprehensive digital skills training program for low-income job seekers that covers computer basics, operating systems, Microsoft 365, AI productivity tools, Zoom, LinkedIn Learning, and online security; also distributes free laptops, tablets, and hotspots to participants in need.
• Green Stormwater Infrastructure Careers (Seattle Opportunity Work Corps) A six-month intensive training program in the growing green infrastructure industry with active, hands-on fieldwork, covering natural drainage system maintenance, plant identification, landscape, and maintenance skills. Crew members receive a stipend.
• Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeships Program (IHAP) A free Washington State-recognized pre-apprenticeship program that equips participants with foundational healthcare skills and knowledge, including a 4-week Healthcare Foundations curriculum (mostly online with hands-on training) followed by apprenticeship opportunities through the Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium.
• SnoCo Connect — Youth and Young Adult Employment A program focused on employment and education for youth and young adults aged 14 to 24, operating out of WorkSource Everett as part of a collaborative network that includes SJI, Cocoon House, and Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest.
• SNAP E&T Consulting Fee-for-service advising and technical assistance to state agencies and organizations on building and operating effective SNAP Employment & Training programs.
• Policy Research & Evaluation Research services for state agencies and organizations, including labor market research, workforce studies, and policy analysis, producing reports such as the Manufacturing Workforce Equity Study, Law Enforcement & Corrections Workforce Study, Cybersecurity Program Coding Report, and Basic Needs-Forward College Guide.
• People-Centered Design A consulting service that works with higher education institutions, government agencies, and community organizations to elevate student and participant voices through applied research, interviews, and technical assistance for program improvement.
• Maritime Pre-Apprenticeship Program A pre-apprenticeship program developed with Seattle Maritime Academy and the NW Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology that prepares BIPOC young adults for careers in maritime industries including Washington State Ferries.

Quantifiable outcome

• 2,100+ digital devices gifted and 1,900+ people trained in digital literacy since July 2020
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• City of Seattle Office of Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSJI was originally started as a partnership between the City of Seattle and Annie E. Casey Foundation. The Office of Economic Development continues to partner with SJI on workforce development initiatives including Digital Bridge and maritime pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Health Care Apprenticeship ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloped the Introduction to Healthcare Employment and Apprenticeships Program (IHAP) in partnership with SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training Fund, City of Seattle Office of Economic Development, and SJI.
• SEIU Healthcare 1199NW Multi-Employer Training FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-developed the IHAP program with Health Care Apprenticeship Consortium, City of Seattle OED, and SJI to create pathways to healthcare careers.
• Seattle Public UtilitiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSeattle Public Utilities supports the Seattle Opportunity Work Corps crew lead in hard skills training related to maintaining green stormwater facilities and provides exposure to utility operations and careers for Corps members.
• Machinists Institute (IAM District 751)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablished by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) District 751, the Machinists Institute provides cutting-edge education and training to build a highly skilled and diverse workforce for green stormwater infrastructure careers.
• Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA) at University of WashingtonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTASCHA at UW Information School partnered on Digital Bridge pilot program with funding from UW Population Health Initiative to assist with evaluation and research on digital equity.
• InterConnectionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquipment and internet provider partner for Digital Bridge program, providing laptops, tablets, and hotspots to participants in need.
• Seattle Information Technology DepartmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with City of Seattle OED, Comcast, and SJI on the Digital Bridge pilot program to address digital equity during COVID-19.
• Seattle Maritime Academy (Seattle Colleges)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Seattle Maritime Academy and NW Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology (Skagit Valley College) to develop maritime pre-apprenticeship program for BIPOC young adults.
• NW Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and TechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with SJI and Seattle Maritime Academy to deliver maritime pre-apprenticeship training focused on BIPOC young adults for careers with Washington State Ferries.
• Cocoon HousemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in SnoCo Connect youth employment program operating out of WorkSource Everett.
• Refugee and Immigrant Services NorthwestmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborative partner in SnoCo Connect youth employment program serving refugee and immigrant youth and young adults.
• WorkSource EverettcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost site for SnoCo Connect program focused on employment and education for youth and young adults aged 14 to 24.
• Washington State Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSJI's Policy Research and Evaluation team partnered with WA State Department of Commerce to produce Manufacturing Workforce Equity Study focused on increasing representation of women and BIPOC across the state's manufacturing sector.
• Washington State Board for Community and Technical CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Law Enforcement and Corrections Workforce Study funded by SBCTC to assess workforce development needs of law enforcement and corrections agencies across Washington State.
• The Nature ConservancymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint report with SJI on Mapping Green Stormwater Infrastructure Careers to Improve Diversity and Inclusivity, commissioned by the Green Stormwater Infrastructure Workforce Collaborative.
• King CountycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSJI supported and informed King County's Green Jobs Strategy in 2022, identifying prospective high-growth green sectors and high-demand occupations for workforce development.
• Port of SeattlemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Port of Seattle Career Pathways: Green Jobs report providing labor market analysis of Port-related industries for in-demand career pathways in maritime and green jobs.
• National Skills CoalitionmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSJI co-authored SNAP E&T Best Practices brief with National Skills Coalition, providing overview of effective SNAP E&T programs.
• International Rescue CommitteemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerReferral partner for Digital Bridge program, referring refugee participants for intensive career navigation support and digital skills training.
• CAEL (Council for Adult and Experiential Learning)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with CAEL to host webinar unveiling the 'How to Become a Basic Needs-Forward College' guide, reaching higher education administrators and practitioners.
• Washington State Construction Center of ExcellencemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with WA State Construction Center of Excellence on Construction Data and Equity Guide as part of Workforce Development Fund project.
• The IF ProjectmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubcontractor for Law Enforcement and Corrections Workforce Study, assisting with promoting and recruiting for community engagement and focus groups. The IF Project is a non-profit collaborative consisting of current and formerly incarcerated adults, community partners, and law enforcement aimed at reducing incarceration and preventing recidivism.
• National Cybersecurity Training and Education Center (NCyTE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerContracted with SJI's Policy Research and Evaluation team to conduct Cybersecurity Program Coding study examining how cybersecurity programs are coded using the CIP code classification system.
• Seattle GoodwillmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployment support program partner in Digital Bridge pilot, distributing laptops and hotspots to job seekers and workforce training participants.
• Partners in Employment (PIE)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployment support program partner in Digital Bridge pilot, distributing devices and providing training support.
• Pacific Associates (PA)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployment support program partner in Digital Bridge pilot.
• Uplift Northwest (formerly Millionair Club Charity)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEmployment support program partner in Digital Bridge pilot, distributing devices to job seekers.
• Congolese Integration NetworkmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCommunity partner in Digital Bridge pilot providing services to refugee and immigrant communities.
• Career Connect WashingtonmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner on Statewide Maritime Workforce Strategy and Maritime Data and Equity Navigation Guide, a collaborative partnership with NW Center of Excellence for Marine Manufacturing and Technology.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seattle-jobs-initiative

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Seattle Jobs Initiative