WPSi Alumni Newsletter
We have some exciting events coming up for those of you who are looking to start your own business or invest in real estate! Check them out below. We hope to see you!

Also - If you missed the last Alumni event on Personal Credit, head over to the Alumni Facebook page to watch!
Job Quality Survey
It's important to us that our employer partners are worthwhile and valuable to you. We'd like to hear about your experiences through our Job Quality Survey. Take the survey below to give us feedback on your workplace culture, pay, and opportunities for advancement!
WPSI Scholars
Receive a $1,000 scholarship from WPSI to help with school-related fees
Have you seen the news about our new WPSI Scholar program in collaboration with Graduate! Philadelphia? WPSI Scholars will receive a $1,000 scholarship toward tuition for those who have been admitted into a degree, certification, or credentialing program, and have current or upcoming school-related fees.

Don't miss out! Application for this year’s WPSI Scholar cohort is due on May 21, 2021.
Assistance with Filing Taxes
Free One-on-One Tax Consultations
If you have questions regarding filing your taxes sign up for a one-on-one session with Enrolled Agent, Taylor Keitt. An Enrolled Agent is a tax advisor who is a federally-authorized tax practitioner empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. Taylor will be providing free one-on-one consultations for alumni who need assistance with filing their taxes or have specific questions.
For Entrepreneurs
The Dreams Cohort - WPSI Sponsorship

The Dreams Cohort is a live online class that teaches the skills and knowledge to turn that idea you have been dreaming about to reality. Whether your idea is new or you need help with your current business, this step-by-step process will help you step out to launch the dreams that will impact the world around you in your own creative way!

The Dreams Cohort meets for 90 minutes once per week for 4 weeks. These classes will be led by Certified Life and Business Coach Khalia Deborah along with special guests. At the end of the 4 weeks, each cohort member will have the opportunity to pitch their business to the Dreams to Founder team for a chance to win a monetary prize.

  • Registration closes on April 19th
  • Online zoom session starts Monday, May 3, 2021
  • The time commitment is four weeks of 90 minutes on Mondays for the month of May
  • Each participant will have the chance to pitch their idea to the Board for a chance to win a monetary reward

To apply for the Dreams Cohort:
WPSI will be sponsoring two of our alumni for this program on a first come, first served basis. Those who express interest and apply after will also receive an application discount.

If you are interested please send an email to info@dreamstofounder.org and include 'WPSI Alumni' in the subject line.
Entrepreneurship Starter Kit Workshop
Tuesday, May 18th • 7pm - 8:30pm

In this workshop, you will work with coach Khalia Deborah to walk through the process of determining if your idea is a good idea or needs some fine tuning before launching. You will also walk through the 7 essentials to building a successful business model and understanding generational marketing. Lastly, you will walk through how to develop a 12-month action plan in order to keep you focused even after the workshop is over. By the end of the workshop, you'll be able to move forward with your business idea with focus and clarity!
For more information on the Dreams Cohort and Khalia Deborah, visit their sites and socials:

The Dreams Cohort: Instagram • Website

Khalia Deborah: Instagram • Website
How to Obtain Business Credit
Thursday, April 15th • 12pm - 1:30pm
In addition to fixing your personal credit, we will be learning how to build and manage credit for any of our start-ups and ventures with an emphasis on real estate investing. Join us to discuss how you can obtain an LLC and set your business up for success.
1st Time Home Buyer Seminar
Tuesday, April 20th • 12pm - 1:30pm
Lorenzo and Anthony will conduct a 1st time home buyer seminar that will walk you through the home buying process from start to finish. They will cover the following topics:
  • How to select the right real estate agent
  • How to select a mortgage broker
  • Steps needed to be approved for a mortgage
  • The home inspection process
  • What to look for in the real estate contract
Different Career Paths in Real Estate
Wednesday, April 28th • 12pm - 1:30pm
Lorenzo and Anthony will cover the following career paths and steps needed to enter the following occupations:

  • Real Estate Agent
  • Wholesaler
  • Property Manager
  • Leasing Agent
  • Electrician
  • Plumber
  • HVAC Specialist
  • Appraiser
  • Mortgage Broker
  • Inspector
  • Title Agent
For more information on Lorenzo and Anthony, visit their sites and socials:

Lorenzo Jackson: Instagram • Website

Anthony Lee: Instagram • Website
Grief Coaching Interest
Things have rough in the city so far this year. Between the pandemic and gun violence, we at the Skills Initiative know a lot of our community has lost loved ones and we'd like to help. If you are interested in Grief Coaching, take the brief survey below. Stay safe and stay strong.
Interested in Sharing Your Business with the Alumni Network?
Be sure to follow @westphilaskills on Instagram for additional resources shared on our story!
Meet three graduates of University City District’s West Philadelphia Skills Initiative who are on the path to realizing their career dreams with Philadelphia employers:
WPSI STAFF
Matt Bergheiser
President,
University City District

Patrick Bayer
Senior Manager for Economic Development and Analysis

Caitlin Garozzo
Director of Programs

Fontaine Gutierrez
Manager of Outreach and Communications
Mariya Khandros
Project Manager

Joshua Park
Senior Manager of Strategy and Partnerships

Tiffany Smith
Alumni Services Coordinator

Romaine Thrower
Manager of Career Strategies

Jennine White
Coordinator of Operations and Administration
WPSI Logo
UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICT RESOURCES
© 2021 • All Rights Reserved