The Lumina Foundation just announced the Richmond Region as one of 17 communities across the county designated as a Talent Hub, which comes with a $350,000 grant to Bridging Richmond.  Talent Hubs are communities that organize and align themselves to create multiple pathways to post-secondary success that lead to employment.

Our region earned this designation by meeting rigorous standards for creating an environment that attracts, retains, and cultivates talent, especially among current students, many of whom are people of color, first generation college students, and are from low-income households. To be chosen as a Talent Hub, communities needed to show a commitment to the sustainable partnerships needed to create change.
Bridging Richmond leads our Talent Hub partnership, which includes United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg, John Tyler Community College, Reynolds Community College, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Bridging Richmond is a cradle-to-career partnership dedicated to improving equity in education and workforce participation as a means of reducing poverty, improving social mobility, and ensuring that the region is economically competitive.

Closing equity gaps is one of the key elements of the Talent Hubs. Bridging Richmond partners will improve policies and practices so that adults with some college credits but no degree can complete credentials needed for the workplace. Read more about the plan here.