SCPa Works

What SCPa Works does

SCPa Works (South Central Workforce Development Board) is a private nonprofit organization designated by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as the local workforce development board for eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania: Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniati, Lebanon, Perry, and York. The organization operates PA CareerLink South Central Region, a workforce service delivery system comprising six physical career center offices supplemented by 30+ Community Access Points embedded in community organizations, schools, and prisons. All services are provided free of charge to both job seekers and employers, funded approximately 93% through federal WIOA and TANF grants and 7% through state, local, and non-governmental discretionary grants. Total annual programmatic funding is approximately $13.44M-$13.78M based on Stevens Amendment disclosures.

The organization's core products are programs rather than technology platforms: WIOA Adult/Dislocated Worker/Youth services, the EARN Program for TANF recipients (Individual Training Accounts up to $7,000), the RENEW Women's Reentry Program (PCCD-funded), Youth Re-Entry services, and sector-specific Industry Partnerships in Manufacturing, Construction, IT, and Agriculture. Service delivery relies on standard workforce systems including the PA CareerLink online job portal (pacareerlink.pa.gov), Oculus VR headsets for youth career exploration, Google Classroom for digital literacy, and the University of Cincinnati's Cognitive Behavioral Intervention curriculum for reentry populations. Equus Workforce Solutions serves as the primary contracted operator for WIOA, EARN, and Youth Re-Entry programs, including paid work experiences. No proprietary technology platform is referenced.

SCPa Works serves multiple customer segments including general job seekers, youth ages 14-24, veterans, TANF recipients, justice-involved individuals, and regional employers. Strategic employer partners include Hershey's, Harley-Davidson, Keurig Dr Pepper, UPMC, WellSpan Health, Phoenix Contact, Weldon Solutions, the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (450+ HVAC companies), and JLG. Revenue mechanics are entirely government-grant-based with no pricing models; services are free and competitive advantage derives from the regulatory designation that grants exclusive authority to distribute federal workforce funds in the region. CEO Jesse McCree leads the organization with a board that includes senior executives from major regional employers.

Name

SCPa Works

Legal name

SCPa Works

Website

https://scpaworks.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

SCPa Works is the designated federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) workforce development board for eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania, operating PA CareerLink centers and Community Access Points to provide free employment, training, and reentry services to job seekers, youth, veterans, TANF recipients, and employers across the region.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Employment Services (5613)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Workforce Development Programs (WIOA/One-Stop Career Centers) (EDAAAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development & Inclusive Employment (Job Training, Placement) (BPAGALAB), Employment & Job Readiness Support Services (BPAGAEAJ), Workplace & Career Integration for Immigrants (Credentialing, Job Readiness) (EDAAADAE)

Keywords

• Workforce development services
• Job seeker assistance
• Employer staffing solutions
• Career training programs
• Community workforce partnerships

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrisburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal Workforce Grants (WIOA): SCPa Works receives federal funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to fund employment and training programs. The U.S. Department of Labor supports WIOA programs as part of an award totaling $6,310,870.06, representing the primary federal funding stream.
2. State Human Services Funding (TANF): The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) programs as part of an award totaling $5,893,063.73. Discretionary grants total $912,045.48 in state, local, and/or non-governmental funds.
3. Program-Specific Grants: Additional grants for specialized programs including Youth Re-Entry ($450,000), Business Education Partnership ($150,000), Whole Home Repairs workforce administration ($400,000), and RENEW reentry programming ($100,000). All programs funded through government and foundation sources.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

SCPa Works operates as the South Central Workforce Development Board, administering the PA CareerLink South Central Region system across eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania. The organization delivers free employment services to job seekers (adults, youth, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and TANF recipients) including career counseling, job placement, vocational training, and supportive services, while connecting employers with vetted candidates, tax credits, on-the-job training subsidies, and apprenticeship programs.

Product overview

SCPa Works is a workforce development organization that operates as a collection of interconnected programs and services rather than a single software product. The core offering is the PA CareerLink® South Central Region system, which delivers employment services across eight Pennsylvania counties. Key products include WIOA-funded adult, dislocated worker, and youth programs, the EARN program for TANF recipients, and the RENEW reentry program. Service delivery is supported by Industry Partnerships with employers, Community Access Points for geographic reach, and technology-enabled features like Virtual Reality career exploration and On-The-Job Training subsidies. Training programs cover trades including HVAC, CDL, welding, nursing assistance, and IT foundations through partnership with trade schools and educational institutions. The organization connects job seekers with employers through Business Services, providing staffing assistance, tax credits, apprenticeships, and paid work experiences.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PA CareerLink South Central Region A workforce development service delivery system providing job seekers with career counseling, job placement assistance, training resources, and employment-related services across eight counties in South Central Pennsylvania.
• Business Services Services connecting employers with job-ready candidates, including staffing assistance, Work Opportunity Tax Credits, on-the-job training subsidies, upskilling, paid work experiences, apprenticeships, market data, and business roundtables.
• Job Seeker Services Comprehensive employment assistance for job seekers including job search services, career consultation, training resources, resume writing, mock interviews, and career placement assistance.
• Veteran Services Specialized employment programs and services for veterans, including supportive services, job searching assistance, and retraining opportunities through PA CareerLink specialists and the Bureau of Workforce Partnerships.
• Youth and Young Adult Opportunities Programs for youth ages 14-24 providing career exploration, goal development, soft and hard skills instruction, resume writing, mock interviews, paid internships, job training, and job placement through PA CareerLink South Central Region.
• Re-entry Services Services helping individuals with criminal backgrounds navigate employment barriers through occupational workshops, GED attainment, resume writing, mock interviews, on-the-job training, and job placement, including the RENEW program.
• EARN Program (Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network)

Quantifiable outcome

• 281 WIOA Adult and 67 Dislocated Worker enrollments (PY 22/23); 52 RENEW program enrollments with zero recidivism among participants.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers19 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

41 partnerships are on record, tiered core, key and minor.

• Equus Workforce SolutionscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEquus Workforce Solutions is the primary workforce development services provider partner administering WIOA, EARN, and Youth Re-Entry programs at PA CareerLink South Central Region. They manage program staff, paid work experiences, and youth engagement including the Virtual Paid Work Experience program. Total EARN program contract value of $2.2M for Program Year 23/24.
• Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (BWPO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Bureau of Workforce Partnership and Operations provides policy guidance, oversight, and grant funding (including WIOA, TANF, Youth Re-Entry, and BEP grants) to SCPa Works as the designated local workforce development board.
• Center for Community ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Agency providing services to low-income individuals and families in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, and Somerset Counties. Coordinates and partners on workforce services for poverty prevention.
• Community Progress CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Agency serving York County families with comprehensive, integrated services to move toward economic self-sufficiency. One of the top referral sites for PA CareerLink with 21 referrals after a September staff presentation.
• Lebanon County Community Action PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides childcare assistance, transportation, case management, rental assistance, shelter, tax preparation, and barrier remediation services in Lebanon County. Served as a Community Access Point location.
• South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity Action Programs creating innovative solutions to end poverty in South Central Pennsylvania.
• Tri-County Community ActioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHelps people throughout Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties for over 50 years with early childhood and family development, employment/education/financial empowerment, housing security, and community development.
• Harrisburg University of Science and TechnologykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducational partner providing STEM education and hosting Paid Work Experience opportunities for PA CareerLink participants. Partnered with SCPa Works and NuPaths to launch Technical Support Specialist Program at Greenwood High School. Also partner in BEP entrepreneurship initiative.
• Employment Skills CenterkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerServes over 450 participants annually with GED preparation, Adult Basic Education, ESL, Nurse Aide Training, and Workforce Development. Five of their digital literacy students were selected for a Google Scholarship award (national competition).
• Cumberland Perry Area Career & Technical CenterkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer and technical education center serving students in Cumberland and Perry Counties. Partner in Middle School Career Exploration programs funded through BEP mini-grants.
• York County School of TechnologykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerCareer and technical education center serving York County students, offering educational opportunities for post-secondary employment preparation.
• Perry County Literacy CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides free educational programs for Perry County residents to function as productive citizens, delivered through one-to-one tutoring and small classes.
• Manufacturers' Association (MASCPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLeads the South Central NextGen Manufacturing Industry Partnership with initiatives including ESL programs and Barriers to Retention studies. Co-chairs partnership with Phoenix Contact and Weldon Solutions. Represents manufacturers facing workforce shortages in the region.
• Pennsylvania Petroleum Association / PPATECcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTrade association for 450+ HVAC and energy companies offering a 10-week HVAC & Energy Professional Program. PPATEC is the trade school of the association, with curriculum designed by employer members. SCPa Works refers participants to this approved training on the Eligible Training Provider List.
• Knovva AcademykeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducted a regional analysis of Opportunity Youth across the 8-county service region using US Census and Department of Education data to inform Community Access Point placement. Featured with SCPa Works at the NAWDP 2023 Youth Symposium for innovative youth programming strategies.
• InsideTrackkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational nonprofit partnering with SCPa Works and Las Vegas workforce boards to offer virtual mentoring opportunities to youth using a trauma-informed, evidence-based coaching model.
• Envoy (Fair Chance Hiring)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerThought leader in fair chance hiring partnered with SCPa Works through a PCCD strategic investment grant to advance hiring practices for justice-involved individuals.
• Tech Connect / South Central Next Gen Tech PartnershipkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerTechnology industry partnership and community website (techconnect.jobs) connecting tech employers, students, and job seekers. Over 500 open tech jobs in the region monthly. Partnered with Harrisburg University's Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship through BEP funding.
• AARP Foundation (Senior Community Service Employment Program)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAARP Foundation operates the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) helping workers 55+ transition into permanent employment, with PA CareerLink as a partner in the South Central Region.
• Job CorpsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNation's largest residential career training program helping young people ages 16-24 complete high school education and obtain employment. Referenced as a partner for youth reentry and employment pathways.
• Council of Three Rivers American Indian CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEmployment and training program for Native Americans, funded through the U.S. Department of Labor, operating since 1976. Serves as PA CareerLink partner for an underserved population.
• Capital Region Ex-Offenders Support CoalitionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerRe-entry coalition serving the capital region, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with employment and support services.
• Cumberland County Adult Re-Entry ProgramkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerUses Evidence-Based Practices to reduce recidivism and increase public safety by focusing on offender rehabilitation and treatment.
• York County Re-entry CoalitionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerConnects justice-involved individuals to people and resources for successful reentry, reducing recidivism in York County.
• Franklin County Reentry CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelops collaborative community and professional partnerships to empower formerly incarcerated individuals and their families to reduce recidivism in Franklin County.
• Lebanon County Christian Ministries (LCCM)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey Community Access Point serving Lebanon County with the Market on 7th food access program, Fresh Start Emergency Shelter, and upLIFT program. Connected 76+ households to PA CareerLink services. Awarded a grant with PA CareerLink as a CBO partner.
• Adams Economic AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization for Adams County, part of the network of economic development partners supporting workforce alignment with regional business needs.
• Carlisle Area Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerChamber of commerce for Carlisle area, part of economic development partner network.
• CAEDC (Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development organization for Cumberland County, collaborating on workforce development initiatives.
• Franklin County Area Development CorporationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEconomic development corporation for Franklin County.
• Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMajor regional chamber and economic development organization. Collaborating with SCPa Works on the Economic Development and Workforce Integration Initiative to strengthen connections between workforce and economic development systems in South Central PA.
• York County Economic AlliancekeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerYCEA houses the Bloom Business Empowerment Center led by Sully Pinos (SCPa Works Board Member), providing small business resources with intentional focus on women and BIPOC communities. Connected York County businesses to $29M in COVID relief funding.
• WellSpan HealthkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthcare system and major regional employer. Ashley Zinn, VP of HR at WellSpan Health, serves on SCPa Works Board of Directors, bringing HR leadership and healthcare sector workforce expertise.
• Shelly School of TruckingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCDL training provider where WIOA participants obtained commercial driver's licenses, resulting in placement at USA Truck Capacity Solutions.
• NuPathskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides technical training programs (Technical Support Specialist, IT pathways) in partnership with Harrisburg University and local school districts. Supported student Joel who completed NuPaths 110 and 120 courses with high grades and passed Excel and Outlook certification exams.
• LEAF ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFarm crew program in Landisburg, PA for youth from Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties. Selected 16 applicants from 45 for the 2023 Farm Crew program providing agricultural work experience, career exposure, and stipends.
• Hershey Entertainment & ResortskeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerBrian Dailey, Managing Director Restaurant Group at HE&R, serves on SCPa Works Board of Directors. HE&R operates restaurants including Houlihan's, Devon Seafood, and The Chocolatier at Hersheypark.
• Penn State HarrisburgkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner with Manufacturers' Association and employer partners in a regional study on Barriers to Retention in the manufacturing workplace.
• South Central PA ConstructionkeyStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner supporting the South Central Next Gen Construction Industry Partnership launched August 2023 with priorities on adult workforce, youth workforce, and owner hiring processes.
• Walters Services Inc.minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFair chance employer that hired a justice-involved job seeker referred by PA CareerLink Business Services Consultant, demonstrating effective fair chance hiring practices.
• University of Cincinnati (CBI Curriculum)keyStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides the Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI) curriculum used in RENEW reentry workshops at Adams County, York County, and Capitol Pavilion prisons. CBI teaches strategies for identifying and managing high-risk situations related to employment.

Scale indicators21 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Partner4Work: Workforce development board serving Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, operating under the same WIOA local-board model as SCPa Works with comparable WIOA/TANF funding mix, employer partnership programs, and CareerLink service delivery.
• Skills for Chicagoland's Future: Chicago-area workforce intermediary operating demand-driven training and placement programs with employer partnerships and barriered-population focus, structurally similar to SCPa Works' industry-partnership and re-entry models.
• Workforce Solutions Capital Area (Austin): Texas regional workforce board operating Workforce Solutions centers serving multiple counties under a parallel federal/state funding model (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act), delivering job-seeker and employer services comparable to PA CareerLink South Central.
• Philadelphia Works: Philadelphia's designated local workforce development board administering WIOA funds across Philadelphia County under the same federal-state statutory framework as SCPa Works, providing nearly identical service lines and funding model.

Others

• National Skills Coalition: National advocacy organization working on WIOA reauthorization and workforce funding policy, whose policy positions directly affect SCPa Works' funding base and regulatory framework.
• National Association of Workforce Development Professionals (NAWDP): National membership body that featured SCPa Works at its 2023 Youth Symposium. Sets industry standards and convenes workforce-development professionals across the local-board ecosystem SCPa Works operates in.
• Manufacturers' Association of South Central PA (MASCPA): Industry trade association co-leading the South Central NextGen Manufacturing Industry Partnership with SCPa Works. A core operational partner and convener of employer-side demand for SCPa Works' training programs in manufacturing.

Emerging players

• Equus Workforce Solutions: National workforce services contractor that is both SCPa Works' primary service-delivery partner and operates independent WIOA programs in other regions. Holds $2.2M EARN contract with SCPa Works and competes for similar local-board contracts nationally.

Regional players

• CareerSource Florida: Statewide workforce development network operating in Florida with a comparable one-stop service delivery model and employer-partnership structure, but serving a different geographic market with state-specific governance.

Broad incumbents

• Jobs for the Future (JFF): National nonprofit that selected SCPa Works as one of 20 Workforce Communities of Action boards and grants capacity-building awards. Acts as both a strategic funder and broader thought leader shaping the workforce-development sector SCPa Works operates in.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SCPAWorks
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100092607363002
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/south-central-pa-works

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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

Frequently asked questions about SCPa Works